Arsenal host Hull City amidst a defensive crisis that has left as many as seven first team players injured and youngster Calum Chambers suspended for the game. The hosts have to get a crucial win today in order to get their campaign and confidence back before the Business end of the season kicks off. Hull City have been playing well and can easily pose a challenge for the Gunners like they did last season during the FA Cup Final. The Tigers have also added some quality players to their roster meaning they are a team that are aiming high and Arsenal would have to be aware.
Team News:
Arsenal have Chambers suspended, Debuchy, Ozil, Giroud, Gnabry and Sanogo out injured, Koscielny is a doubt but there is possibility of him playing despite the tendinitis in both his Achilles. Walcott has returned to training after nine months and would start the match from the bench after playing with the U21 team on Friday. Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to play in place of Ozil in the familiar winger’s position. Cazorla will be leading the midfield for the Gunners. Captain Arteta is back from injury and could play this match in defensive midfield, giving Arsenal some much needed boost.
Hull City are struggling with the goalkeeping department as they have first choice keeper McGregor out with a shoulder injury. Harper is the one who is likely to take charge at goal. Robert Snodgrass, one of their key attackers is also out, with a knee injury. Apart from these few injuries, Hull City have a full squad and they would be expected to field a really strong playing eleven to have a real go at the Gunners who are a bit low on confidence after their second worst start to the campaign after the 11-12 season.
Arsenal vs Hull City Men to watch out:
Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): He is replacing Mesut Ozil and is much more comfortable on the wings than the German maestro. He is deemed as one of the most exciting talents in English football and could probably be vouching for a long run out on the pitch as Ozil is out for about 3 months. Arsenal seemingly would have a lot more balance to the team with Chamberlain’s pace, energy and work rate down the flanks coupled with a hunger and willingness to have a go at the opponents.
Mohamed Diame (Hull City): If he starts, which he may not because of fatigue, he can be the real key for Hull City in the midfield. He has been around in international duty but Hull may still field him against a physically shallow Arsenal midfield. Diame has proved to be vital in Hull City’s wins and has shown consistency even in West Ham United. If Arteta/Flamini and Wilshere aren’t able to contain this beast of a player, Arsenal may well fall prey to an upset.
Predicted Score:
Arsenal 2-1 Hull City.
Hull City have the enthusiasm that can hurt any top team. They even have the quality to do so, yet Arsenal play at home and have a few world class stars at their disposal in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Cazorla etc. It would be tough to imagine an Arsenal loss at Emirates especially as they have hung on to draws and narrow wins this season despite the injuries to the team.
Blast from the past:
Watch Arsenal vs Hull City’s FA Cup highlights