This One Will Be Fun: Arsenal v Hull; Match Preview
Ther will be no spitting in this match
This should be interesting. For a team only up in the EPL for two years there has been enough animosity built between Arsenal and Hull that you are almost certain nowadays to have something flare up. Whether its Hull’s shock 3-1 win against Arsenal last season, Gallas’ controversial winner in the FA Cup, Phlegmgate between Phil and Cesc, or Nasri kicking someone in the ding-ding earlier this season, it seems like these matches are always lively affairs. With a lot at stake for both teams it’s likely to be the case again.
For the tan man’s Hull City squad they’ve only won once in their last 14 tries, a 2-1 win against Man City in February. They are trying to stave off relegation having lost their last three league matches though their last home match was a win. Hull only have four clean sheets this season and have conceded more goals (13) in the last 10 minutes of each match than any other EPL team. As if that weren’t enough, they are suffering from internal frustration as both Jummy Bullard and Nick Barmby (their own Nicky B) had a training session bust up.
Hull will be boosted by the returns of Andy Dawson from an asthma attack and Craig Fagan from a suspension. Stephen Hunt is probable for the Tigers but is suffering froma foot injury that is requiring constant injections. Defender Ian Gardner and Ian Ashbee will be out for Hull as long-term injuries will likely keep them out for the remainder of the season.
For Arsenal, they are riding a wave of four successive league wins. They emphatically destroyed a weaker Porto side in the mid-week Champion’s league side, which was more impressive because it was done without their primary cog, Captain Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas looks to be out again this week, still recovering from his hamstring injury. Not a bad call as the spainaird will be needed for the remaining eight league matches next round of Champion’s League football.
Also likely to miss the match are Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna with niggly injuries. Given the form of Sagna’s replacement Eboue letting the French right back take some rest isn’t a bad thing. Rosicky was a 50-50 decision and won’t be known until the squads are announced. Sol Campbell who was thought to get a rest is set to play as William Gallas is still out with a reoccuring calf injury. Finally, Alex Song will be out serving the second of his two game suspension for 10 yellow cards.
An Arsenal win keeps the pressure on Chelsea and United and continues their impressive run for the title. Chelsea do play earlier and it is possible that should West Ham pull off a miracle Arsenal could pass them up for a solid position in 1st place (for a day at least). A win also pulls the Gunners a head of United who play Fulham on Sunday. Hull though won’t be easy. It’s unknown which Hull side will show up. They play hard some times or completely self-destruct (like their 5-1 thrashing last week to Everton). Either way Hull are well managed and won’t be a push over. So for Arsenal it will be a case of staying home and playing their game. They will need to be paitent with a Hull side that will likely try and play the game tight and physical.
Overall the problem for Hull is that without Fabregas, the side are less reliant on one player to open things up. While Cesc is a maestro on the field the movement of the team without him in my opinon seems more fluid and because they rely on everybody to bring the ball in they are harder to close down. With Arshavin and Nasri showing what they can do to an opponent if given the space, Hull will be hard pressed to find one individual to key on. Additionally, Walcott and Bendtner have slowly been showing their worth. The England international is starting to show that he does have a football brain and is finding that when you take a defender inside from an outside run it will open up space for you to have better chances. Trying to always pressure from outside more than often leads to the prototypical Walcott far and wide shot that skitters across the goal.
Both the great Dane and the Englander have shown that they can rise to the criticism they receive and will need to continue their upward progression. Better they do it with a chip ontheir shoulder.
The Gunners come to KC Stadium looking for their fifth league win in a row (their first time this season). Arsenal have won half of their 14 away matches this season a feat only bettered by Manchester United. Arsenal are back to being the league leading scorers with 69 league goals and 99 in all competitions. In their last three league matches Arsenal have scored four goals in or at the 90th minute making squeaky bum time of about 20 minutes or so preceding that. Finally, while Hull have conceded more goals in the last ten minutes, Arsenal lead the league with scoring in the last ten – 14.
Regardless given the current history and the current form of the two clubs, this is going to be a fun a match.
How the Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal scored their first home goal with in the first 15 minutes of any match this season against Porto. It set an early tone and really put the outcome of the match out of anyone’s mind. Arsenal will need to do this and two goals within 25 minutes will make sure the home side get no sniff of a win. The longer Arsenal let the tigers sit around near them the more confidence the Tan one’s side will get. The play of Nasri, Arshavin and Bendtner should be too much for thier struggling hosts. But look for Walcott and Eboue to be the X factor of the match. The only Arsenal concern is Denilson in the holding role. Against Burnley he was quiet and we can only hope that it stays that way this week.
Players to watch.
Arsenal: Nicklas Bendtner. A Few short days after being criticized by the press and some fans for his missing 5 golden chances against Burnley, the danish forward with the ego the size of an freight train, scored a hat trick against Porto showing that he is capable of putting a bad performance behind him. What Nicky B has been able to show, even when not scoring, is an improved ability to find the space to find the shot. He also shown that when playing with Arshavin in the wing he is more than happy to take the beautfiul shots given to him from the Russian star.
Hull City: Jimmy Bullard. Jimmy is a character and a good one. But he also is Hull’s best threat and before his injury he looked keyed in to carry them forward. He is Hull’s best chance at opening up Arsenal. Plus the mock scolding of his team after playing City to a draw early in the season was CLASSIC!!!
Probable Starting XI:
No sptting at the KC.
Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (hamstring), Gallas (calf), Song (suspended), Djourou (ankle), Van Persie (ankle) Gibbs (foot), Ramsey (leg)
Hull City: Ashbee (knee), Gardner (ankle)
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWWL
Hull City: LLLWD
Match Officials:
Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistant Referees: Patrick Keane & Adam Watts
Fourth Official: Chris Foy
Broadcast TV:
US: FSC 1230 EST (on foxsoccer.tv as well)
UK: ESPN UK 1730 GMT
Online Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
Gameday Chat Will Be Open. www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 4
Hull – 1
