The 2020-21 Premier League season is nearly upon us as Fulham will host Arsenal at the Craven Cottage on Saturday, in the opening fixture of the new campaign.
Maintaining their top-flight status will be the primary objective for Scott Parker, while Mikel Arteta’s side will definitely look to push for a top-four finish.
The two sides have contrasting objectives for the season, but will look to target a winning start on Saturday. With that, here are three burning questions ahead of the London derby.
Fulham vs Arsenal: 3 Burning Questions Ahead Of The Derby
#1 What does the future have in store for Mesut Ozil?
Mesut Ozil has been on the fringes ever since Arteta took control of the north London based outfit and his chances of forcing his way into the starting XI look slim at the moment. Ozil has been accused of being too lethargic to fit into Arteta’s tactics, which runs on high intensity.
Despite his indifferent attitude, Ozil still remains as one of the finest attacking midfielders of the game. His vision and ability of manoeuvre impeccable passes in the final third can break down even the meanest of defences, but under Arteta, quality alone is not enough.
Arsenal could do with a player of his calibre, but can he improve his tenacity on the pitch and become force his way into Arteta’s plans?
#2 Can Scott Parker’s side slog it out?
Fulham finished fourth in the Championship table, and beat Brentford in the promotion play-off final to return to the Premier League. Under Parker, their style was a far cry from the gung-ho approach of Slavisa Jokanovic, but it gave them the stability they needed.
The pragmatism will help them in the top-flight as they can mix good defending and efficient attacking to get the results that they couldn’t muster two years ago.
Arsenal like playing out from the back, and are good against teams who press, as it enables the Gunners to play through them to devastating effect after inviting the opposition press.
Will Fulham do the opposite and sit back, and ask the Gunners to break them down instead? That could work well for Parker’s side, who have good players in attack with compete with Arsenal physically, and on the break, using their pace and movement.
#3 Leno or Martinez?
Prior to the knee injury that he picked up against Brighton & Hove Albion in June, Bernd Leno was arguably the best player for Arsenal. The German shot-stopper pulled off astonishing saves on a regular basis and was consistent in goal.
However, during Leno’s brief spell on the treatment table, Emiliano Martinez burst onto the stage and shone in goal. He helped his side in winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield, so Arteta will face a serious dilemma about choosing whom to use in goal.
There have been reports of Martinez leaving. Although it might be good for the player, Arsenal would lose a talented and able ‘keeper.