When Arsenal Football Club travel to face Fulham Football Club at Craven Cottage on Matchweek 8, the kickoff is set for 5:30 pm BST. The match will be overseen by referee Anthony Taylor with Stuart Attwell acting as the Video Assistant Referee.
Recent Form and Table Stakes
Here’s the thing: Arsenal sit perched at the summit of the Premier League with 14 points after six games, having rattled off wins over Newcastle United and West Ham United. In contrast, Fulham linger in 14th place, holding just nine points and trying to claw their way out of the relegation mire.
Arsenal’s ascent has been fueled by a solid defensive record – they’ve conceded only three goals so far – and a fire‑breathing attack that’s netted 22 times. The Gunners’ last encounter with Fulham at Craven Cottage in December 2023 ended in a 2‑1 victory for the home side, the only Arsenal away defeat in London this season.
Fulham, meanwhile, have endured two straight away losses: a 3‑0 reverse at Chelsea and a 2‑2 draw at Everton. Their home form remains their saving grace, with four wins at Craven Cottage this campaign.
Injury Reports and Squad Availability
Both benches look a bit thin. For Fulham, defender Kenny Tete is out with a knee problem that won’t see him back until early November. Forward Raúl Jiménez is listed as doubtful after a hip knock, while midfielder Saša Lukic will miss at least the next two fixtures with a foot injury.
Arsenal’s injury list reads like a who’s‑who of the squad. Kai Havertz is sidelined with a knee issue until mid‑October, and Gabriel Jesus remains out after a torn ACL, not expected back before late December. Midfielder Martin Ødegaard carries a knock that should keep him on the sidelines until early December, while youngster Noni Madueke is doubtful with a knee strain.
"We have a lot of quality on the bench, and we trust the players to step up," said Marco Silva, Fulham’s manager, on the club’s official Twitter feed. "The injuries are frustrating, but the squad is deeper than many realise."
Across the Thames, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta echoed a similar sentiment: "We’ll adapt, we’ll stay focused, and we’ll give the fans a performance they deserve."
Broadcast Options Around the Globe
If you’re wondering how to watch, the options are pretty straightforward. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds the rights and will air the match on the main channel. Across the Atlantic, NBC Sports will stream the game on Peacock and broadcast it on the NBC network and USA Network.
Indian fans can tune in via JioHotstar, while Australians will find it on Stan Sport. For those without a TV deal, ESPN’s live‑text service will provide minute‑by‑minute updates.
All 380 matches of the 2025/26 season are available on NBC’s digital platforms, meaning you can watch the game on a laptop, tablet, or phone without missing a beat.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Kick‑off: 5:30 pm BST (12:30 pm ET, 10:00 pm IST)
- Venue: Craven Cottage, Fulham, London
- Referee: Anthony Taylor (VAR: Stuart Attwell)
- Arsenal – 14 points, top of the table
- Fulham – 9 points, 14th place
- Key absentees: Kenny Tete, Raúl Jiménez, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus
What the Experts Are Saying
BBC pundit Gary Neville believes Arsenal’s title charge could hinge on depth. "If Arteta can rotate his squad without losing the rhythm, they’ll stay ahead. Fulham will look to exploit any fatigue in the Gunners," he said on Radio 5 Live.
Former Premier League manager Claudio Ranieri noted the historical odds: "Fulham have only beaten Arsenal four times in the league, all at home. That home advantage could be decisive, especially with the Gunners missing Ødegaard in midfield."
Looking Ahead: What This Match Means for the Season
Should Arsenal secure three points, they would extend their lead to five points over Liverpool, who sit fourth with 11 points. For Fulham, a win would catapult them back into the top half, potentially breaking a six‑match winless streak away from Craven Cottage.
The twist is the weather forecast – a light drizzle is expected, which could make the pitch slick and favour Arsenal’s technically gifted midfielders if they can keep the ball moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can fans in the United States watch the game?
US viewers can stream the match live on Peacock, or watch it on the NBC and USA Network channels. All three platforms are part of NBC Sports’ coverage package for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Which players are most likely to start for Arsenal despite the injury list?
With Havertz and Ødegaard sidelined, Arteta is expected to line up Bukayo Saka on the wing, Gabriel Martinelli alongside Martin Ødegaard’s backup, and Thomas Partey anchoring the midfield. In attack, Gabriel Jesus remains unavailable, so Eddie Nketiah will likely start alongside Gabriel Jesus’s understudy, Leandro Trossard.
What is the historical head‑to‑head record between the two clubs?
In the Premier League era, Arsenal have won 22 of the 48 meetings, Fulham 11, and 15 games ended in a draw. All four of Fulham’s league victories over Arsenal have come at Craven Cottage, the most recent being a 2‑1 win in December 2023.
Will the weather affect the style of play?
A light drizzle is forecast for the afternoon, which could make the pitch slick. Teams that rely on quick, short passes – like Arsenal – may need to adapt, while Fulham’s more physical approach could gain an edge on a slippery surface.
How does this fixture impact the relegation battle?
A win would lift Fulham to 12 points, moving them above West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the lower half of the table. Conversely, a loss would keep them entrenched in the bottom‑four‑thirds, heightening pressure on Marco Silva’s side.
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