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.
- Match centre
- Premier League fixtures
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."
Source: DSG