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Arsenal will visit Fulham looking to bounce back from Thursday’s loss as they seek to close the year by topping the Premier League table
Arsenal must beat Fulham on Sunday to seal their status as Premier League leaders at the end of 2023.
A humbling defeat to West Ham last time out threatened to derail the Gunners' second title challenge in as many years, particularly with Manchester City and Aston Villa leapfrogging them on Saturday.
Liverpool can still snatch back first place on New Year's Day but this afternoon's clash can secure Arsenal a potentially temporary lead to turn up the pressure.
Fulham, meanwhile, have failed to score in three consecutive league defeats while conceding eight goals.
With a big month of cup games coming up, the Cottagers could do with a result in west London to keep them clear of any relegation worries.
Team news
Arsenal can welcome back Kai Havertz for Sunday’s trip to Fulham.
The midfielder missed the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Thursday night due to suspension.
Before that, Havertz was the only player in the Arsenal squad to feature in every game this season.
Mikel Arteta will be without Jurrien Timber (knee) and Fabio Vieira (groin), but it remains to be seen if Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey return.
Tomiyasu has been out since the start of this month due to a calf problem and Partey injured his thigh in October.
Both players are due to be away on international duty next month. Tomiyasu will be with Japan at the Asian Cup and Partey is set to play for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Where to watch
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on SportSport TV and will kick off at 5pm Kenyan time.
Predicted line-up
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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