Filed under: Arsenal, Fulham, Betting, Champions League, Europa League (UEFA), Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: CRAVEN COTTAGE, SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BSTThough the trophies have long been distributed elsewhere, suddenly Arsenal need to win this one - and even if they do they could end up being disappointed.
Following last week's lacklustre home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, Manchester City have now taken third place in the Premier League table - and should the Gunners remain in fourth then they will have to play in the qualifiers for next season's Champions League group stage.
Some very patchy form since the Carling Cup was surrendered in the final to Birmingham is the reason for that and Arsene Wenger's side must now end this season as it did last term, by beating Fulham.
Their west London neighbours also have European qualification on their minds as a surprise return to the Europa League, which saw them end as beaten finalists last season, is on the cards through the Fair Play league, though the final places as far as that table is concerned will take some working out even after the final whistle of the season.
Fulham qualified for the Europa League the last time by finishing seventh and although there is no Europa League place for that position this time, that is where they will end up if they win and Everton lose.
Key Match-up: Brede Hangeland v Robin van Persie. With 20 goals in his last 22 games, van Persie is in hot form, even if Arsenal are not. Hangeland will be detailed to stop him - and cause havoc from set-pieces at the other end, as he did twice at Birmingham last week.
Form Guide: Fulham have won three of their last four, beating Bolton, Sunderland and Birmingham but were soundly beaten by Liverpool. Arsenal have won just three games in all competitions since the Carling Cup final loss on February 27.
Odds: Fulham 3/1, Arsenal 10/11, draw 13/5
FULHAM:
All eyes will be on Fulham's former Gunner Philippe Senderos, who insists he has nothing to prove to Arsene Wenger for declaring him surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium.
The Switzerland defender did make more than 100 appearances for the Gunners but moved across the capital following loan spells with AC Milan and Everton. An Achilles injury delayed his Fulham bow but the 26-year-old is set to play following impressive performances alongside Hangeland.
"I had some great years at Arsenal," he declared. "I won the title, the Cup and made the Champions League. I owe a lot to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, who brought me over from Switzerland to play in the Champions League for one of the best clubs in the world.
"So I don't have anything to prove but I'd like to prove to myself that I can play in the Premier League."
Strategy: Curiously, Fulhamm have gone from the best-behaved side in the Premier League with just 40 matches in 35 games to one of the worst, with ten yellow cards picked up in the last two games.
That could enable another club to take that Fair Play place from them, although Spurs will qualify for the competition by finishing fifth if they finish ahead of Liverpool anyway.
Blackpool could pip them in theory as well so will manager Mark Hughes instruct his players to take it easy against the Gunners? Somehow that seems unlikely.
Injury Update: Damien Duff and Diomansy Kamara are injured while Chris Baird is suspended. Simon Davies should return after a calf problem.
ARSENAL:
Arsenal players must prove they are fit to wear the red and white shirt. Who says so? Not a disgruntled fan but Wenger himself as the Gunners are left hoping for news of a Bolton win on the final day.
"It is not over and we have to fight until the last minute of the season to show that we are good enough to wear the shirt of this club," the Frenchman declared somewhat long-windedly.
"What motivates me is the desire to win and to be strong and successful in what I do. That is what has motivated me my whole life. A man and a player who can take care of the future is a responsible man.
"For us to take care of the future is to absolutely give the maximum to get into the top three. There is no way, at this moment, we can say 'OK, the season is over'."
Strategy: Given that Jack Wilshere will be appearing for his country in the European Under-21 Championship finals next week against his manager's wishes, it would be no surprise if Wenger decided the teenager needed to be rested.
But with Cesc Fabregas out injured, Wenger does not have a full range of options as his disposal anyway so needs probably must.
"I have heard that he has been picked," Wenger said of Wilshere. "We have to accept and respect the choice even if I think it is the wrong decision. Jack Wilshere has been in the red for a while now and this can be a risk for his health.
"He knows that he is nearly at the end of his energy level but he is keen to do well."
Injury Update: Fabregas may not be the only high-profile absentee as Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby all face fitness tests.
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