Hull City are on an impressive run of late under their new Portuguese manager, Marco Silva, who has already guided the club to wins over Manchester United and Liverpool in their last few games. He had a win over Arsenal with his former club Olympiakos last time he visited Emirates and will hope for a similar result.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are on the back of two consecutive defeats and will be expected to show more fight in the game.
Team News
Arsenal- Midfield will once again be heavily understaffed for Arsene Wenger. Although the return of Mohamed Elneny after quite a successful African cup of Nations will definitely provide a huge relief to the manager, the 24-year-old has been struggling with a slight calf strain and is expected to go through a late check-up before kickoff.
With quality players like Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla injured, the Gunners boss just might have to fall back to youngsters to get the job done. Hector Bellerin is unlikely to start the game, as he is still recovering from the concussion and Gabriel Paulista is expected to take his position. Mathieu Debuchy might be in contention for the position.
Granit Xhaka still remains suspended, serving his four-match ban. The manager, Arsene Wenger will have to operate from the stands as he is serving his touchline ban.
Hull City- Hull will obviously be without midfield man Ryan Mason, who is recovering from a fractured skull. Arsenal goalie, Petr Cech, who had a similar injury back in 2006, has offered his support for Mason recently.
Matters have further worsened for the Hull boss, Marco Silva. He will be without Michael Dawson and striker Abel Hernandez who were ruled out on Thursday with an injury. Hernandez had just returned from a long-term injury and suffered a hamstring niggle playing last week. Apart from that, Curtis Davies, Marcus Henriksen, Moses Odubajo are also absent through injuries.
Predicted Line-Up
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) – Cech; Gabriel, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin; Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Hull City (4-2-3-1) – Jakupovic; Robertson, Dawson, Ranocchia, Elabdellaoui; N’Diaye, Huddlestone; Clucas, Evandro, Markovic; Grosicki
Key Players
Arsenal- Alexis Sanchez will definitely be the biggest threat for Hull. The Chilean is the league’s joint highest scorer with Chelsea’s Diego Costa and he will be hoping to feed on a weak Hull backline. Wenger, however, will be cautious with him as Arsenal visit Allianz Arena in the midweek. Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott will also be crucial for Arsenal getting 3 points.
Hull City- New Inter loanee Andrea Ranocchia will hope to extend his positive Premier League run and with Hernandez injured, Silva would expect Grosicki and Niasse to get on the scoresheet.
Odds
Arsenal- 1.28
Draw- 6.00
Hull City- 13.00
