Marco Silva feels Fulham can take confidence from their 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season as they prepare to take on the Gunners on Sunday.

The Whites round off 2023 looking for a boost after two disappointing defeats to Burnley and AFC Bournemouth over the festive period. The Fulham boss knows that Mikel Arteta’s side will pose a formidable challenge at Craven Cottage, but wants his side to draw strength from the point they picked up in North London in August with ten men.

Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

“They are a really strong side, some weaknesses they have we’ll try to explore. We have shown this season already that we can match them. Before the West Ham result it was just us and Tottenham to take points from Arsenal at home, which shows that we know how to match them and play against them and we know what to do. For sure we have to play at our best level because we can then compete with Arsenal.”

The Portuguese head coach insisted he was fully focused on the forthcoming fixture and denied that the club had received any offers for Joao Palhinha.

“I’m not even speaking with the board about it. Until now I can say to you 100% sure we haven’t received anything, any approach about any player from our squad. We have full focus in the games and in these tough December fixtures. We are looking to strengthen the squad and not to lose important players.”