Arsenal can reduce the gap on leaders Liverpool to nine points with victory over Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday.

The Gunners are unlikely to catch the Reds at the top with just nine games to play but Mikel Arteta’s men should at least stay secure in second place with a home success over the Cottagers, who were dumped out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage on Saturday by Crystal Palace.

BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET

• Arsenal to win and both teams to score – 29/10
• Declan Rice to score at any time – 5/1
• Over 2.5 total goals – 1/1

Gunners can edge London derby

Arsenal return to action after a 16-day break hoping for another home win after edging out Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates in mid-March.

That was their ninth home win in the league this term and, with only leaders Liverpool having a better home record, the Gunners will be confident of picking up another three points against the Cottagers.

Arteta’s side are four points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest, who entertain Manchester United, also on Tuesday, and even though overhauling Liverpool’s big lead at the top looks too big an ask, Arsenal will want to ensure they at least finish the season strongly as runners-up.

Fulham still have plenty to play for as they sit eighth, just three points behind fifth-placed Manchester City, although they will be hurting after suffering a 3-0 home reverse against Palace in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the weekend.

Marco Silva’s side do have a good recent record against Arsenal, going three games unbeaten against the Gunners, and they can play their part by getting on the scoresheet at the Emirates.

Fulham have only failed to score in one of their last six league games and away from home of late they have been impressive, winning three of their last four Premier League road trips.

Rice to step up again

Arsenal are set to have Bukayo Saka back in the squad for Tuesday’s clash but it may take the forward some time before he returns to his very best so the hosts may have to continue to look for goals from elsewhere.

One man who has stepped up recently in that regard is midfielder Declan Rice, who scored the equaliser at Manchester United earlier this month and was also on target in the 2-2 home draw with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last 16.

Rice has only bagged five goals in all competitions this season but as the run-in approaches, his influence on proceedings could grow.

Exciting Emirates clash anticipated

Arsenal should be fresh and raring to go following over a fortnight’s absence and the much-anticipated return of Saka, even if he only makes an appearance off the bench, should only add to the excitement.

With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz still out injured, Arteta has been using midfielder Mikel Merino up front and the Spaniard has adapted well to his new role, scoring his sixth goal in all competitions when netting the winner against Chelsea last time out.

Arsenal’s other attacking threat is likely to come from Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri, while they will be backed up by Rice and Martin Odegaard from midfield.

Fulham’s cup defeat to Palace at the weekend was the first game in five in all competitions in which they had failed to score in, and they too have good offensive options with Raul Jimenez set to be supported by two former Gunners players in the shape of Willian and Alex Iwobi.

BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET

talkSPORT BET Offer

Sign Up Offer: Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets – CLAIM HERE

T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*

18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org