Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham this Saturday, October 18, 2025, with the aim of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners, currently sitting in first place, are looking to capitalize on their strong start to the 2025/26 season. A victory against their London rivals would put pressure on Liverpool, who are set to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Fulham, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat against Bournemouth before the international break. The Cottagers, currently 14th in the league, have had a mixed start to the season but have been strong at home, where they are unbeaten in their opening three league games. They will be aiming to cause an upset and climb up the table.
Form and Recent Encounters
Arsenal have won their last four games in all competitions, scoring eight goals and conceding just one. Their most recent Premier League match saw them ease past West Ham United with a 2-0 victory. Fulham, in contrast, have suffered back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
Historically, Arsenal have a dominant record against Fulham, with 43 wins out of 65 matches between the two teams. However, Fulham have proven to be a tricky opponent at Craven Cottage in recent seasons, with Arsenal failing to win on their last two visits. In December 2023, Fulham secured a 2-1 victory, and last season, a late Arsenal goal was disallowed by VAR, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Team News
Fulham have a number of injury concerns. Sasa Lukic is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks with an adductor injury. Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz are also unavailable. Samuel Chukwueze is a doubt after picking up an injury while on international duty, and Raul Jimenez and Kenny Tete are also uncertain. However, former Arsenal players Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno are all fit and available.
Arsenal will be without their captain, Martin Ødegaard, who is expected to miss several weeks with a knee injury. Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are also still out. However, Ben White and Martin Zubimendi are available, and Piero Hincapie could make his Premier League debut after recovering from a groin injury.
Key Players
For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka will be one to watch, having scored three goals in his last four appearances against Fulham. Viktor Gyokeres is currently Arsenal's leading scorer with three league goals. Fulham will be hoping that Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson can provide the attacking threat in the absence of several key players.
Prediction
Despite Fulham's recent home form and Arsenal's injury concerns, the Gunners are considered the favorites for this match. Arsenal's strong defense, which has conceded just three goals in seven league games, will be difficult for Fulham to break down. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 18 Premier League London derbies. A 2-0 victory for Arsenal is a possible outcome.
The match kicks off at 5:30 pm BST on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Craven Cottage.
