Fulham v Arsenal: Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Prediction

The first London derby of the 2013-14 season sees the clash of two Cockney rivals who've had contrasting fortunes in this summer's transfer window, and contrasting opening-day results as well. Fulham ground out a fine 0-1 victory up in the North-East against Sunderland, and their successful start will probably ensure an unchanged back-line. Scott Parker, just purchased from Tottenham, will more than likely start in the centre of the park, while Taarabt and last week's goalscorer Pajtim Kasami will provide support to Berbatov up front. Darren Bent could also start; if he does, he's likely to take the place of either of the 3 forwards, the most likely being new man Adel Taarabt. Don't rule out Pajtim Kasami coming off early if he fails to produce the goods either. Martin Jol has bought cleverly in the transfer market this summer, and the squad are looking uncharacteristically strong offensively and defensively. There's also a new depth to the side not seen in recent years, and hopes of a Top 10 finish look within their grasp this year Arsenal have had a mixed week. A 1-3 reverse to Aston Villa at home last week, combined with another summer without spending prompted an Arsenal fans group to write to the Arsenal board calling for Arséne Wenger's tenure to come to an end. Since then, a 3-0 win at Fenerbache, and assurances that new signings were in the pipeline have quelled the unrest somewhat. Injuries to key midfielders Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have limited Arsenal's midfield options, and the side is likely to be reasonably similar to the outfit that defeated Fenerbache so easily on Wednesday night. Mattieu Flamini could come onto the bench if his transfer comes through in time, and Olivier Giroud will start up front, having impressed in Turkey. Thomas Vermaelen is unlikely to be back in time for the clash, and Laurent Koscielny is serving a suspension following his dismissal last weekend. Fulham are strong, and are likely to give it their all, but Arsenal have a touch of class with Wilshere, Walcott and Ramsey that should see them over the line at Craven Cottage. But only just. Scoreline Prediction: FUL 1-2 ARSPredicted Line-UpsFulham (4-3-3): Stockdale; Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs; Duff, Boateng, Parker, Taarabt; Kasami; Berbatov Arsenal (4-5-1) : Szczesny; Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla; Giroud