Mikel Arteta's Arsenal return to domestic action as they face Fulham on Sunday with the Gunners looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table. Having drawn 2-2 in an entertaining midweek Europa League tie it will be a strong test for the title favourites as squad rotation and man-management comes under the microscope.
Fulham have been one of the surprises of the season - though Arteta himself might have something to say about that - and sit seventh in the league. Marco Silva's men, who have been relegated at the first attempt for the past two times they have been promoted, are now chasing down European football.
With just one loss since January 24 they are an in-form and confident side. Having fallen to late defeat at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, the Cottagers will also be determined to make up for that, adding to what promises to be a brilliant game in London.
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The bonus for Arteta is that they don't have a long trip after European football on Thursday, also allowing them to prepare for the return leg against Sporting CP following the match as well.
Not to get too far ahead of themselves though, here is how Arsenal can get the better of their opponents.
Make the most of the midfield
With influential midfielder Joao Palhinha missing for the game, the Gunners have a massive advantage heading to Craven Cottage. The Portuguese player has been influential for Silva and has started to attract the attention of some of Europe's top clubs.
Fulham have failed to win either of the two games they have played without him in the league this season, conceding seven goals across two matches when he has been absent. In the 24 games he has played - all as a starter - they've only let in more than two goals once.
Arsenal have been chopping and changing more in the centre of the park in recent weeks than is ideal due to injuries and illness, starting with Jorginho, Granit Xhaka and Fabio Vieira in midweek. Both Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe made appearances from the bench.
Getting on top of the game centrally will be key to beating the Cottagers.
Avoid crosses
In Tim Ream, Fulham have one of the most aerially commanding defenders in the league. The American has had a stellar season so far and is now partnered by former West Ham defender Issa Diop.
Arsenal aren't the strongest when it comes to attacking crosses in open play - though their set piece record is impressive and helped them win the return fixture. With uncertainty over Eddie Nketiah's availability there is no clear focal point for the attack.
Wasting possession on crosses into Ream and Diop is something to avoid without someone with true prowess with their head running in. Even Nketiah himself has been profligate when it comes to scoring headed chances recently. Keep it on the floor and make the defenders work in a different way.
Get it to Gabby
Arsenal's man of the moment. Gabriel Martinelli has responded to criticism of his output in recent weeks with a run of four goals in as many games. He had previously been without a goal in six league matches but has rectified that despite moving position.
He is the most natural centre forward of the options left to Arteta without Jesus or Nketiah and has dovetailed well with Leandro Trossard as a false nine when the pair have been available together. Now, with Bukayo Saka shouldering his own high workload, Martinelli has come up with the goods.
He almost scored a brilliant goal in midweek and could prove to be the livewire here too.
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