Saka, Ødegaard, and a title within reach

The lineup Arteta wants

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard both start on Saturday, which means the Emirates gets its two most important players on the biggest afternoon of the season so far. Saka on the right, Ødegaard pulling strings in behind — when both are on it, Arsenal are a different proposition entirely. Arteta will know that. So will Marco Silva.

Viktor Gyökeres is also in the mix after scoring from the spot in midweek, and he arrives at the Emirates with the kind of confidence a penalty goal gives you — not the most glamorous way to score, but it counts the same. He'll be looking for more than one this time.

What Fulham actually are right now

Silva's side have nothing to play for in the table, which sounds like good news for Arsenal until you remember that free-spirited, pressure-free football is occasionally the most difficult kind to break down. Fulham can press high, move the ball quickly, and leave with a point and a shrug. They've done it before.

That said, Arsenal at the Emirates, Saka and Ødegaard both fit and starting — the math still heavily favours the home side. Fulham being relaxed is one thing. Being relaxed against this Arsenal is another problem entirely.

What a win actually means

Three points here puts Arsenal within touching distance of the title. Not celebrating-in-the-street distance, but close enough to feel it — the kind of close that makes the next few days very long indeed. Arteta has spent years building towards afternoons like this one. The squad is ready. The crowd will be ready.

The corner flag better be bolted down.