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Sam Hill

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Fulham vs Arsenal prediction amid Gabriel Jesus decision

Mikel Arteta will hope that Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard are all available for selection ahead of the London derby against Fulham this weekend. Arsenal turn their attention back to Premier League action as they aim to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the table.

The Gunners' clash against the Cottagers comes in the middle of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Sporting CP. The north Londoners drew 2-2 away in Portugal on Thursday night but will hope to bounce back with a win in the Premier League.

Arsenal will welcome Sporting to the Emirates Stadium next Thursday with the tie hanging in the balance, with Arteta hoping his side can book their place in the last eight. Jesus was left at home and did not travel to Portugal earlier this week, whilst Odegaard missed out through illness - with Trossard and Nketiah still recovering from injury as they aim to be a part of the matchday squad on Sunday.

READ MORE: Granit Xhaka excited for imminent Gabriel Jesus return with Arsenal in line for triple boost

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson and BBC pundit Chris Sutton both think that the Premier League leaders will continue their winning run and avoid dropping points against high-flying Fulham. Merson wrote in his SportsKeeda column: "Arsenal are probably going to be just two points clear of Manchester City by the time they start this game.

"The Gunners need to keep their lead over City intact until the two sides meet next (27 April) or at least until Arsenal play Liverpool (9 April) away from home. They have to win this game.

"Fulham have done great but they'll miss Joao Palhinha dearly. Fulham are not playing Arsenal off the pitch in this one. Both teams play expansive football and if the better players rise to the occasion, Arsenal should be able to get the win here."

Paul Merson's prediction: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal

Speaking to the BBC, Sutton said: "What a great game this is going to be, and what a test for Arsenal. I really enjoyed watching the Gunners last week.

"Who would have thought that Mikel Arteta's side would have been celebrating at full-time of a game against Bournemouth like they had just won the World Cup, but I get it - I was excited too, I actually jumped out of my seat when they scored their winner. What Arsenal are doing is brilliant, but I am concerned about whether they can keep it up because they are so stretched up front.

"Leandro Trossard came off injured against the Cherries and Eddie Nketiah has lost his way a bit. Gabriel Jesus has been back in training and I wonder how close he is to a return - because he is going to be massive in this run-in.

"Playing in the Europa League on Thursday is going to be a distraction for Arsenal but they have to focus on the Premier League now - when are they going to be in a position like this again? Fulham have been flying and will have a real go at them, the same as they did at Emirates Stadium in August when the Gunners came back from a goal down to win late on, with Jesus getting the crucial goal.

"This time? It is going to be another close one, but I am backing Arsenal to find a way, again."

Chris Sutton's prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal

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