Fulham play host to the Arsenal on Tuesday as the Gunners look to let off some steam after a shocking display in the 3-1 loss to Fulham.
Vital Quotes:
Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger says that Arsenal must do well in the next few weeks if they are to have any hope of keeping their title hopes alive: ‘The period that comes up now for us is the moment of truth.
‘We must not hide.
‘There is a big obstacle in front of the players. I feel they are ready to jump it – and they have a fantastic leap.
‘If they are not, we have no chance to do it.
‘They will try, but I am confident [that we can do it].’
Fulham boss Chris Coleman says that when Arsenal are at their best they really are unstoppable: ‘Arsenal always have chances so no matter how well you play against them, you have to have a bit of luck if you’re to get any kind of result.
‘We’ve played them many times and we’ve tried everything. We tried to play, pass, get stuck in but it never works.
‘You can see your team are doing their best but you have to credit them.’
Fulham Team News:
Fulham defender Franck Queudrue (shin) and Carlos Bocanegra (hamstring) are both injured.
Centre-back Ian Pearce is suspended so Arsenal reject Philippe Christanval will step in despite having an injury himself.
Player to watch: Boa Morte
The former Arsenal man has a fierce shot on him and will pose an ever-present threat to the Arsenal backline.
Arsenal Team News:
As reported earlier strikers Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie return for Arsenal along with midfielder Tomas Rosicky. Henry has recovered from a stiff neck, Van Persie served his one match ban while Rosicky has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Arsenal are now just three players short of a full squad with Lauren, Diaby and Gallas still missing. There is a slim chance that William Gallas could return for the grudge match with that semi-pro team from Middlesex (I think they`re called Tottenham?) at the weekend but it is much more likely that the Frenchman will return against Porto next week.
Julio Baptista is rested with a view to the N.London derby next week.
Player to watch: Thierry Henry
The skipper will want to send out a message ahead of the ‘game’ against tottenham next weekend. I predict goals from the Frenchman.
Ref Watch:
Howard Webb has been in charge of only one Arsenal game so far this season – the 3-0 victory over Watford in which he gave only one yellow card.