Arsenal v Fulham Betting Preview

Arsenal are looking to maintain their Premier League title challenge when they face Fulham at The Emirates this Saturday afternoon.

Arsene Wenger’s side have bounced back amicably from defeats against Tottenham and then Braga a fortnight ago and booked a place in the Carling Cup semi-final on Tuesday night with a win against Wigan.

That match marked the return to the starting XI for striker Robin van Persie who looked sharp and created a number of chances. A welcome boost for The Gunners who could be without midfielder Samir Nasri after he picked up a knock in the 2-0 win and are likely to be missing captain Cesc Fabregas for a little longer.

It was thought that Fabregas may be nearing a return but Wenger said after Tuesday’s win: "It is impossible to say [when Fabregas will return]. We have to wait. It is not a big injury [but] let's see. In the next three days, we will know more."

Fulham also have notable injury concerns and are without long term absentee Bobby Zamora as well as Moussa Dembele. Andrew Johnson could also be unavailable after he missed last weekend’s draw with Birmingham leaving The Cottagers considerably lacking goalscoring prowess.

Arsenal won both fixtures when the sides met last season and the bookmakers are quoting odds of just 2/7 that they make it three wins in a row over their London rivals. Fulham, who could end the day in the bottom three, are a 10/1 chance and the draw is 4/1.

Van Persie couldn’t make a scoring return to action in midweek but did create a number of goalscoring opportunities for his teammates, he is a 10/3 chance to open the scoring on Saturday. Summer signing Marouane Chamakh has 10 goals already this season and is also quoted at 10/3 to break the deadlock.

With Manchester United heavy favourites to beat Blackpool later in the day Wenger will know the importance of picking up maximum points here in order to keep pace with the league leaders.