Arsenal head into the weekend feeling somewhat fortunate, but also no doubt disappointed. The Gunners played Sporting Lisbon to a 2-2 draw, in the first leg of their Round of 16 Europa League tie.
One of their two goals was gifted, as it came via an OG from Hidemasa Morita. They’ll need to be sharper on Sunday, when they visit a very surprising Fulham side for what should be a spirited London derby.
Fulham vs Arsenal FYIs
Kick-off: Sunday, March 12, 3pm local, Craven Cottage
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction: Go Here
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Arsenal victory 61% Draw 22% Fulham victory 17%
PL Form Arsenal WWWWL Fulham LDWWL
PL Standing Arsenal 1st, 63 pts Fulham 7th, 39 pts
Team News for Both Sides
Gunners gaffer Mikel Arteta could remain without a true out and out striker for this one as Eddie Nketiah (ankle) and Leandro Trossard (groin) remain doubtful.
He already ruled out Gabriel Jesus (knee), who he maintains will not be rushed back into service, despite the narratives surrounding his potential return.
All three were left out of the squad that tied Sporting earlier tonight. Mohamed Elneny (knee) is done for the year.
Switching over to the Cottagers, Cedric Soares is ineligible because loan rules dictate that one cannot face their own parent club (kudos to Arsene Wenger though for stating his position against that during his career.
Elsewhere Tom Cairney (ankle), Neeskens Kebano (achilles) and Layvin Kurzawa (knee) are ruled out while Palhinha is suspended.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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