Follow every kick as Arsenal take on Hull City at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League
on 19-Dec-2009, kick off time 17:30
Arsenal v Hull City Live
Following a disappointing midweek draw that saw his team held 1-1 by Burnley, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be looking to make the most of the home advantage against Hull on Saturday. However the Tigers have been in solid form of late, having suffered only one defeat in their last six league outings and, after a break during midweek, will be fired up for a repeat of last season's league meeting at Arsenal.
In September last year, Hull became the first team to win at the Emirates after coming from behind to claim a 2-1 victory with goals from Daniel Cousin and Geovanni sparking a run that saw them claim maximum points in their next three games.
However, this win was overshadowed by a fiery FA Cup encounter in March on the same turf that ended in a 2-1 win for the Gunners, with Hull boss Phil Brown accusing Cesc Fabregas (injured for the match) of spitting at the feet of his assistant Brian Horton.
Brown will be warning his backroom to be on their toes this time around as well, as captain Fabregas leads a long list of Gunners likely to be in the stands for this clash after coming off in the 43rd minute at Burnley with a hamstring injury.
Other key omissions for Arsene Wenger will be Tomas Rosicky (groin), Kieran Gibbs (metatarsal), Robin van Persie (ankle), Gael Clichy (back), Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Armand Traore and Johan Djourou (knee), while Denilson (back) could return.
The main problem for Hull will be the absence of talismanic midfielder Jimmy Bullard (knee) whilr captain Ian Ashbee (knee) is out for the season.
However, Tigers midfielder Dean Marney believes that even without Bullard, given his side's recent good form, Hull can repeat their success in London from last season, telling the local press: "We proved last season when we went to Arsenal and won that we are capable of getting results.
"There's a little bit of confidence back in the squad and we're all looking forward to games now."
Even without Bullard, the memories of clashes last season at the Emirates may well be enough to inspire Brown's men to rise to the challenge of ruining Arsene Wenger's Christmas celebrations.
Source: DSG
