Arsenal to rotate as hectic month begins
When Arsène Wenger admitted he’ll rotate his squad for the visit of Hull City on Wednesday night – “We have so many games that in some positions I will have to change” – it was hardly a surprise. The fixture list ahead for Arsenal makes for a grueling read; 7 fixtures this month, four of them away, represents a schedule that will further test the Gunners’ trophy credentials. Everton (h), Napoli (a), Man City (a) and Chelsea (h) follows the game with Hull, whilst tricky-looking trips to West Ham and Newcastle after Christmas complete a hectic month for Wenger’s side.
“In every single game I [will rotate],” the Frenchman said on Tuesday morning, “I try to limit the number because I do not want to disrupt the balance of the team, so I do that in every single game.”
High-flying Hull provide solid test
A year ago, Hull City sat 5th in The Championship. Now, heading into December, they lie 10th in the top-flight – a real indication of the incredible work Steve Bruce has done at the KC Stadium. The win against Liverpool on Sunday was the best moment yet, a victory thoroughly deserved. The summer additions, – including Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore from Spurs, Curtis Davies from Birmingham and Maynor Figueroa from Wigan, amongst others – have proved fruitful, flourishing in Bruce’s favoured 3-5-2 formation.
Match Facts
– Arsenal have won 8 of the last 9 matches against Hull in all competitions (W8 D0 L1).
– Hull have won just 1 of their last 30 Premier League away games (W1 D7 L22).
– Hull were the first away team to concede the opening goal but come back to win a Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium (2-1 in Sept 2008).
– Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 15 Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium (W11 D3 L1).
– Arsenal have conceded just 15 goals in their last 23 Premier League games, only one team has scored more than one in a match against them in that run (Aston Villa in August – 1-3).
– Wojciech Szczesny has the best saves to shots ratio (81%) in the Premier League this season (min 16 shots on target faced).
Team News
Arsenal: Sagna (hamstring), Podolski (fitness), Chamberlain (knee), Diaby (knee) & Sanogo (back) are all unavailable.
Hull: Davies (suspended), McShane (hamstring), Quinn (hamstring) & Aluko (calf) are all out, whilst Fryatt has been recalled from a loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Szczesny – Jenkinson Koscielny Vermaelen Monreal – Flamini Ramsey – Walcott Cazorla Rosicky – Giroud
Predicted Hull XI: McGregor – Chester Bruce Figueroa – El Mohamady Livermore Meyler Huddlestone Brady – Koren – Sagbo
Score Prediction: Arsenal to have too much for Hull: 2-0.
Betting Tips
Santi Cazorla to score and Arsenal to win – 2/1: Arsenal are heavy, heavy favourites against Hull. This means the odds on just an Arsenal win are not great. Combine the win with a player to score anytime, and the odds greatly increase. Cazorla could be replaced by any player you feel might score. BET ON THIS MARKET HERE
Arsenal to win 2-0 – 11/2: Arsenal’s defence has been remarkable in the last few games, and outside of striker Sagbo, Hull offer little going forward. Back Arsenal to win the game at a comfortable 2-0. BET ON THIS MARKET HERE
Arsenal to win from behind – 9/1: Arsenal have been in scintillating form as of late and lead the Barclays Premier League. Perhaps they become too complacent early and Hull snatch a goal, before Arsenal wake up and come steaming back? 9/1 sounds like great odds for a comeback. BET ON THIS MARKET HERE
