Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage this Saturday to face Fulham in a much-anticipated London derby. With the Gunners aiming to continue their impressive start to the season, Fulham will hope to capitalize on their home advantage in a fixture that has historically produced drama.

Match Details

• Fixture: Fulham vs Arsenal
• Competition: English Premier League
• Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 5:30 PM local time (16:30 GMT)
• Venue: Craven Cottage, London, United Kingdom
• Live Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport from 2:30 PM (13:30 GMT)

Arsenal’s Season So Far

Arsenal has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025-26 Premier League season, winning eight of their ten games across all competitions. Their only league setbacks were a 1-0 loss to Liverpool and a 1-1 draw against Manchester City, where Gabriel Martinelli scored a 90th-minute equalizer.

Defensively, Arsenal has been solid, conceding only twice in their last seven matches and never more than one goal in a single game. The Gunners have also scored 20 goals in 10 games, showcasing a balanced attack under manager Mikel Arteta.

Historically, Arsenal last won the Premier League in 2004, famously completing the season unbeaten as the “Invincibles.” The club has lifted the English top-flight title 13 times, with the most recent success coming in the Wenger era.

Fulham’s Season So Far

Fulham has struggled for consistency this season and currently sits 14th in the table. Manager Marco Silva has guided the Cottagers to five wins and two defeats in the league, with notable victories primarily coming in the League Cup.

The team has been unbeaten at home this season, with only a single dropped point in five matches, offering hope to fans that Craven Cottage could be a fortress against Arsenal. However, recent away losses to Aston Villa and Bournemouth have dampened momentum.

Fulham has never won the Premier League, and their highest domestic honor remains the second-tier title, most recently achieved in 2022. They have also been runners-up in the FA Cup (1975) and UEFA Europa League (2010).

Head-to-Head Record

• Total meetings: 66
• Arsenal wins: 43
• Fulham wins: 9
• Draws: 14

The last meeting at Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal claim a narrow 2-1 victory, with goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka. Rodrigo Muniz scored a 90th-minute goal for Fulham to make the finish tense. The previous season’s fixture at Craven Cottage ended 1-1, continuing a trend of competitive encounters between the sides. Fulham’s last victory over Arsenal came in December 2023, marking their first win against the Gunners in 12 matches.

Team News

Fulham Injuries and Doubts

• Sasa Lukic: Adductor injury, out for 2+ weeks
• Kenny Tete: Knee injury
• Rodrigo Muniz: Hamstring injury
• Raul Jimenez: Doubtful after prior injury
• Samuel Chukwueze: Injury extent unclear

Arsenal Injuries and Doubts

• Martin Odegaard: Knee injury, may return vs Tottenham
• Kai Havertz & Noni Madueke: Recovering from knee injuries, not expected
• Gabriel Jesus: Knee injury, return expected before year-end
• Ben White: Minor doubt
• Piero Hincapie: Expected to return

Predicted Lineups

Fulham (4-4-2): Leno; Diop, Bassey, Andersen; Castagne, Berge, Cairney, Sessegnon; Wilson, Iwobi; King

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Form Guide

Fulham Last 5 EPL Matches: L – W – W – L – L
Arsenal Last 5 EPL Matches: D – W – W – W – W

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal are strong favorites but must respect Fulham’s home form.
• Craven Cottage remains a challenging venue for visiting teams.
• Injuries could impact both teams’ strategies, particularly in attack and midfield.
• Historical rivalry adds intensity, with Fulham capable of surprising the league leaders.