Game to measure improvements: Rosicky to start.

A key to Arsenals hopes for domestic success will hinge on reversing negative results they incurred last season. Last season, Arsenal drew at Old Trafford, this season they lost, last season they lost at Eastlands, this year they repeated the result, last season they drew at Goddison Park, this year they won.

Next on the list is Fulham, the team that exposed what was to come during the season, beating Arsenal off a corner 1-0, in one of the worst displays of the campaign. Fulham are not playing as they were then, and Arsenal are in a better rhythm in this moment than they were last year, so the scope for a better result is there.

This match could examine how Arsenal will fare this term, Fulham are a team that have some ability, their defence and midfield synergy is impressive, in that they can defend deep and spring on the counter at the right moment. Arsenal will have to be brave and persistent to get the openings and also be compact in midfield to constrict the game in their favour. Another important aspect, post that game, the trainer Wenger admitted to the team not having the mental preparation and application to meet the challenge on the day, we saw this against Liege, a repeat and his team could face problems again. Walcott will be on the bench, Tomas Rosicky will make his full return to the starting line up as well.

Arsenal need to get 3 points from game, they need to reverse the negative results last year to gain the points they dropped so easily last season.