With Arsenal still reeling from their recent run of poor results, Arsene Wenger finds himself in an all-too-familiar situation, with the FA Cup once more his most viable option of winning a trophy this season.
After losses to Barcelona in the Champions League, and Manchester United and Swansea in the Premier League, Arsenal have a mountain to climb if they are to win either of those two major competitions. However, a 2-2 draw against arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane would have given them a boost, considering that they were both a man and a goal down in the second half.
The Gunners face Hull City in their FA Cup 5th round replay on Tuesday, and Wenger will be looking at some of his younger players like Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi to provide the spark in the attacking third. Meanwhile, second-choice full-backs Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs may get the nod ahead of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal.
Hull, however, are not an easy side to break down, as evidenced by the solitary goal they have conceded in their last six matches. To add to that, the Tigers are playing in front of their home crowd, which could give them an even bigger boost.
Lineups
Hull City
Possible Starting XI (5-3-1-1): Jakupovic; Tymon, Maguire, Bruce, Davies, Elmohamady; Maloney, Meyler, Taylor; Powell; Diomande.
Arsenal
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Gibbs, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Chambers; Elneny, Flamini; Walcott, Iwobi, Campbell; Giroud.
Key Stats
- The Gunners have won four of their last six matches against Hull in all competitions.
- Hull City have conceded just one goal in their last six matches in all competitions.
- Hull have conceded just one goal so far this season in the FA Cup.
- Arsenal have not tasted defeat in their last 15 matches in the FA Cup.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in their last four away matches at Hull, and have won all four of them.
Prediction
Hull City 0-1 Arsenal
The Gunners have had their usual blip in the second half of the season, but did show fighting spirit against title rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The draw at White hart Lane with 10 men would have given them some confidence after consecutive losses to Barcelona, Manchester United and Swansea. However, Hull are playing at home and with the crowd behind them, they could prove to be a hard unit to break down. A low-scoring game could be on the cards.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Hull City: 7/2
Draw: 13/5
Arsenal: 4/5