Chamakh: There's Mar to come

Marouane Chamakh has targetted the 20-goal mark in his first season at Arsenal and believes his "character" is one of his main assets.

Chamakh, 26, is set to return to the side for the visit of Fulham on Saturday, having been rested for the midweek Carling Cup quarter-final win over Wigan.

The French-born forward would like nothing more than to continue to lead from the front for the rest of the campaign.

"For me, if I can weigh in with 15 to 20 goals, it would be a very, very good season," Chamakh told the club's official website.

"Whatever happens I hope to continue my progress.

"It has gone really well with the set-up here, I hardly knew anyone when I arrived, but they have all made me feel very welcome.

"It has been easy to settle in and this has allowed me to express myself and that's very important.

"Personally, I am happy, but I can do better."

Chamakh has become an instant hit with the Gunners supporters, and certainly offers Arsene Wenger's side something different in attack.

"I give 200%, I play with my heart, I've got guts, I give everything I've got," Chamakh said.

"I don't cheat or cut corners, that's my strength, my character and I think that they [fans] like me for it."

Arsenal have come through a difficult spell to give genuine hope they can finally end a six-season wait for a first trophy at Emirates Stadium, the Gunners now odds-on favourites for the Carling Cup having drawn npower Championship side Ipswich in the semi-finals.

Wenger is keen to maintain momentum from a hard-fought victory at Villa and the midweek 2-0 triumph over Wigan, which came despite nine changes to get back to winning ways at home.

By then, the Frenchman hopes his squad will still be in touching distance of the leaders, whom they now trail by just two points and are behind Chelsea only on goal difference.

Wenger is in no doubt if Arsenal maintain focus, then success will follow.

"We are in a strong position in every single competition - that means overall the attitude is right, the spirit of the squad is right," he said.

"I am confident we have the needed quality, so let's continue to improve."

Midfielder Samir Nasri is expected to shake off a minor knee problem to face the Cottagers, but captain Cesc Fabregas is still out because of a hamstring injury.

Wenger, though, admits he may have to be cautious with Robin van Persie after the Dutchman completed 73 minutes on Tuesday night in what was a first start since the end of August having been sidelined by an ankle injury.