Fulham v Arsenal

Tough match out of the Int’l window, but as @daddude7 has reminded us, the team tends to play its best versus the best. Raul didn’t make the trip to El Tri’s camp which hopefully leads to his availability for this one. Big concern is Jedi’s, the fact he didn’t play at all means he’s probably no where close. Other teams had to game plan for his marauding runs and crosses, and frankly we miss his rock solid D as well. I’m beginning to get worried that this minor knee surgery was botched or that he keeps aggravating it.

 

This match will finally be on something other than USA Network! Whoo hoo! Clear my calendar on Saturday! I can watch Fulham live! Nobody come knocking at 12:30 because I will not answer.

Because there was no football last weekend and because I seek out misery, I watched the replay of the Bournemouth match. It made me really frustrated with Silva. I think he made some really poor decisions. A five at the back was understandable given the circumstances, but it is already a defensive shape so having both Lukic and Berge in the midfield just made it too defensive. I'm disappointed that Lukic is injured, but having Carney come in helped get Fulham out of their own half. Then there was the mind-boggling decision to not bring in Kusi-Asare. Fulham kept putting crosses into the box, but with no target! Kusi-Asare is 6' 5"! Josh King and Harry Wilson are 5' 8".

Which brings us to this match with Arsenal. Fulham will still have the same problems as against Bournemouth, except maybe Raul will be back. There will be no Muniz and no Lukic and no Tete. With all of that, and facing what may be the best team in the league right now, lining up with a back five won't surprise me. Chukwueze was really impressive two weeks ago and he had a great international break helping Nigeria move on in WC Qualification with some assists. Meanwhile Wilson did not look good against the Cherries and suffered through two losses with Wales. So, I'd like to see Chukwueze get the start, but I'm not sure if Silva is there yet.

Fulham really have nothing to lose in this one because getting beaten by Arsenal is expected. I really hope that gives Silva and Fulham the freedom to try something different. They've got a lot of potential with the current players that hasn't been unlocked yet, but I keep hoping each week it will finally come together.