By OkayGoal 
Arsenal return from the international break with a trip across London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off. Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table and will be aiming to make it five consecutive wins in all competitions. Fulham, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain their unbeaten home record and bounce back from two disappointing away defeats.
While the Gunners enter this match in strong form, they do so with a growing list of injury concerns. Captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out for around a month with a knee issue, and he joins Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on the treatment table. Ben White also missed training on Thursday and remains a doubt.
Arsenal chasing consistency, Fulham seeking home comfort
Arsenal have been ruthless in recent weeks, defeating West Ham 2–0 before the break to leapfrog Liverpool at the summit. Their defensive record is the best in the league, and they’ve had nine different scorers already this season, a testament to their squad depth. The Gunners have won four on the bounce in all competitions and have been especially strong in London derbies, losing just one of their last 18 against capital rivals.
Fulham, however, have proved stubborn at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s side are unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season, having taken seven points from three matches, including a draw against Manchester United. But inconsistency on the road has left them 14th in the table, and a string of injuries including to Sasa Lukic, Samuel Chukwueze, Kenny Tete, and Rodrigo Muniz could limit their options.
Team news: Arsenal forced into changes, Fulham light in attack
Arteta may hand Riccardo Calafiori another start at left-back, while Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi are expected to partner Declan Rice in midfield. With Ødegaard out, Trossard could take on a more central creative role behind Viktor Gyökeres, with Bukayo Saka returning to the right after a strong international window.
Fulham will look to Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson for attacking inspiration, while 17-year-old Tyrese King could start up front in the absence of Raul Jimenez. Bernd Leno is set to face his former club in goal, while Tom Cairney and Sander Berge anchor the midfield.
Prediction: Fulham 1–3 Arsenal
Fulham’s home resilience can’t be ignored, but Arsenal’s current momentum, even with key injuries, should see them through. Expect a competitive match, but the visitors’ quality in wide areas and control in midfield could tip the balance.