Much of the build up to the third round clash between Arsenal and Hull City has focused on the last time these two clubs met in the FA Cup. In case you forgot – which I know you didn’t – Arsenal came from two goals behind and won 3-2.
Arsenal
Arsenal ended the 9 year trophy doubt after going 2-0 down inside 8 minutes, and coming back to win 3-2 after extra time, Aaron Ramsey, the star performer throughout the season, and on the day, so fittingly getting the winner. The FA Cup win was seen as a springboard, to bring Arsenal back to title challenges again, despite being 2 points clear at the top with 9 games to go last season. Alas, the season has followed the usual proceedings; picking up a numerous amount of injuries, failure to beat top sides leading to a large amount of fans calling for Wenger’s head and questions as to whether they will finish in the top four.
Arsenal come into the game on the back of a demoralising 2-0 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s. Prior to this, Arsenal had picked up 10 points from 12, despite conceding a late equaliser at Anfield; things seemed to be looking up. Yet again, the same story, goalkeeping and defensive errors cost the Gunners. Despite a kind draw in the Champions League, Arsenal are far too short to be considered contenders, so an FA Cup run, is exactly what they need, accompanied with a top four finish.
Starting XI
Arsene Wenger has said there will be changes to the side. David Ospina will start in goal, a real opportunity to stake his claim for the number 1 spot after Szczesny’s recent errors. Central midfield is difficult to predict after Coquelin and Chambers were out-muscled against Southampton, and against a 5-man Hull midfield containing Tom Huddlestone who has flourished since moving to the KC.
I would like to see Joel Campbell finally get a start, but Wenger’s reluctance to play him suggests that there are issues off the pitch. If Sanchez starts, he will play his 4th game in 10 days, if the Chilean talisman picked up an injury, Arsenal would struggle as he has almost single-handedly carried them this season. I expect Theo Walcott to start, and Wenger to field a strong starting team.
Hull
Hull flirted with relegation throughout last season, but were safe with a few games to spare, achieving the aim to stay in the Premier League after being promoted. An excellent FA Cup run was a bonus, and 8 minutes into the final, they had put themselves in a great position to cause a huge upset, much like the season before, which saw Wigan Athletic defeat Manchester City.
Hull have struggled this year despite not qualifying for the dreaded Europa League, which would have surely seen them struggle further. Yet, they’ve only picked up 2 wins in their last 13 games. However, they kicked off the New Year in fine style with a 2-0 win over Everton, they will hope to continue this form against Arsenal and beyond.
Starting XI
Steve Bruce has also said that there will be changes to his side that beat Everton. The excellent Andrew Robertson, was injured against Everton, his replacement that day, Liam Rosenior then got injured having played just 30 minutes. So Robbie Brady or Maynor Figueroa will come in at LWB. Otherwise, Steven Quinn and Tom Huddlestone come back after suspensions.
Team News
Arsenal:
Wilshere (ankle), Arteta (calf), Ramsey (hamstring), Giroud (suspended), Diaby (calf), Gnabry (knee), Özil (knee – doubt), Welbeck (thigh – doubt), Sanogo (hamstring – doubt)
Hull City:
Rosenior (hamstring), Robertson (ankle), Dawson (hamstring), Diame (knee), Snodgrass (knee), Ramirez (groin – doubt)
Fixture History:
Arsenal – 13
Draw – 4
Hull – 3
Last Time Out (all competitions):
Arsenal 2-2 Hull
Alexis Sanchez scores early on before Mohamed Diame and Abel Hernandez put Hull ahead, until Danny Welbeck equalised in injury time, leaving both sides disappointed with the result.
Prediction
Hull have only won once in the last 14 attempts against Arsenal, with Arsenal winning 11 of those. The Gunners have only lost once in 38 FA cup games at home and scored 2 goals or more in the last 8 games against Hull. Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in 7 games so I would expect goals. A tricky test for Arsenal, but I believe that they will be in the hat for the 4th round draw.
