Arsenal will be hoping to kick-start their title charge away at newly-promoted Hull City.
The Tigers have enjoyed a positive start back to life in the top flight and come into the game after a dramatic equaliser last time out away at Burnley. With games against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea next up in the league, Hull have their work cut out to build on their bright beginning to the season.
Meanwhile, the KCOM Stadium’s visitors this weekend also scored a late goal last week as they edged past an impressive Southampton side. Arsenal have not been at their best so far this campaign and they cannot afford to drop more points if they are to stay in touch with leaders Manchester City.
Key Battle – Tom Huddlestone vs Santi Cazorla
Games in the Premier League are often decided in the middle of the park and the two teams both have midfield maestros who will look to dictate the tempo of the match. Huddlestone has been outshone by others in the Hull side this season, notably Robert Snodgrass.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Chelsea plan swoop for Lazio defender
WATCH: Falcao responds to “Chelsea reject” chants
Ian Wright on drug use: “From that day to this I never smoked a spliff again”
Yet the former Tottenham Hotspur man makes his side tick along and his passing ability could be key for the hosts who are likely to have little of the ball on Saturday.
Cazorla meanwhile is the unsung hero in the Arsenal side. He will often drop deep to receive the ball and look to get attacks underway. The Spanish international may have plenty of space in front of him as Hull like to drop deep and defend in numbers.
It could well be up to Cazorla to break down the usually impressive Tigers’ rearguard.
Team News
Hull have no fresh injury concerns and will only be without those who have been out of action since preseason. Instead, caretaker boss Mike Phelan will have a number of selection issues, particularly how many new signings to give a home debut to. David Marshall could pip Eldin Jakupovic to the number one spot, while the likes of Ryan Mason, Will Keane and Dieumerci Mbokani will all be pushing for a first start for the club.
Hull City Expected XI (4-5-1): Jakupovic (GK); Elmohamady, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Snodgrass, Huddlestone, Meyler, Clucas, Diomande; Hernandez.
For Arsene Wenger, the fitness of Theo Walcott is the major problem going into the match. The pacey forward is likely to be available to play but with Arsenal having so many options in that area, he may not start. Despite not impressing on his debut, Lucas Perez looks set to start up front again ahead of Olivier Giroud, who was sent off in the Champions League in midweek.
Arsenal Expected XI (4-3-3): Cech (GK); Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez, Perez.
Head-to-Head
It is Arsenal who have dominated this fixture down the years. The North London side has won 16 of the 21 games between the two sides, drawing five and losing on just three occasions.
Previous Meeting
It is six months ago since the two teams last met. After Hull did well to get a draw away at the Emirates, the replay of their fifth-round FA Cup tie against Arsenal was a one-sided affair. It ended 4-0 to the Gunners away at Hull with Giroud and Walcott both scoring a brace.
Prediction
Given their amazing start to the new season, anyone who doubted Hull’s ability to compete in the top flight has been given a shock. They will look to defend deep and hit Arsenal on the counter-attack – expect the visitors to dominate play and possession. It could well be a tight game but Arsenal should just pip it.
Hull City 0 Arsenal 1
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
