I have probably been harder on Arshavin than any other of our players so far this season, his statistics have been impressive but I have often had the feeling that he could have done much more. I was absolutely delighted after his performance last weekend, we saw the Arshavin that

As the Arsenal squad jump off the Carling Cup train, along comes the Premier League train, pulling into the platform at high speed. Next stop Fulham at the Emirates. Our last defeat at Braga is starting to fade into the distance after back to back victories against Aston Villa and Wigan in the Carling Cup. However there is still an underlying concern regarding our inconsistent home form this season. In fact you have to go as far back as September 11th to see a home victory with more than a goal margin and that was a 4-1 victory against Bolton.

The squad seem to be coming along together after a more than wobbly patch. Without wanting to jinx anything, we are currently maintaining a ‘normal’ injury list in the beginning of December, only Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby would be pushing for a first team place right now. Although they are big players, we are still probably in our best shape for many seasons given the strength of squad that has been developed over the years.

Robin Van Persie who was not involved at Aston Villa could well start the game after looking impressive against Wigan in midweek. Robin played a little within himself yet produced a few moments of brilliance, the type of quality that we could have done with in some of our home games where we failed to produce victory.

There is no point in looking back at this stage, we are sitting two points away from the top of the table, victory gives us a chance to go top of the table, if Chelsea do not beat a struggling Everton team at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United’s trip to Blackpool has been postponed due to the snowy weather, so it gives us a good chance to leap above them regardless of what happens in West London.

I am hoping that we get the chance to see Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh in the same starting line up this afternoon. I am confident that we will see the two together. Chamakh should replace Bendtner from midweek and Van Persie can continue to float behind the front man. If Nasri can continue his form of recent weeks and Arshavin can follow on from his wonderful showing at Villa Park then we could be in for an attacking treat.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Andrey Arshavin

I have probably been harder on Arshavin than any other of our players so far this season, his statistics have been impressive but I have often had the feeling that he could have done much more. I was absolutely delighted after his performance last weekend, we saw the Arshavin that we had all expected and hoped for and now I cross my fingers that it is now the beginning of a long run of inspired displays from our Russian match winner.

Having Van Persie back in the set up will help Arshavin, his off the ball runs can be spotted by Van Persie and I can envisage those two linking up to create at least one goal by 4.45pm this afternoon.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Arsenal 3 (Arshavin [2], Chamakh) Fulham 0

Perhaps it is the optimist in me but I feel like this team are about to kick into gear. A good home win is important for the team and with Fulham’s pretty poor away record this season, we would be very disappointed not to come away without all three points. This should not mean that the team can turn up on the day and float through the 90 minutes without fighting for the victory.

I hope for a high tempo, quick passing game whilst being defensively strong at the back. If we can combine the two then we should claim the three points.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.