Following a tumultuous 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal travel up north to face Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round replay.
Although the Gunners remain eight points off the top in the Premier League and are firm underdogs against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, once again, represents a viable source of silverware this season. Arsenal were unlucky to be held to a goalless draw at the Emirates last month as Hull backup ‘keeper Eldin Jakupovic appeared to take on the persona of Manuel Neuer for the 90 minutes. The late surge against Spurs could represent a turning point to Arsenal’s poor form, which ironically began with the draw against Hull.
With both sides pushing for the Championships in their respective divisions, players are likely to be rested. In his news conference on Monday morning, Wenger admitted rotation would be required.
I will have to make [changes]. I’m not concerned by replacing one player for another. I have to rotate a bit and keep the balance in the team.
Also hinting that Alex Iwobi will come into the side, as he has done in all FA Cup games this season, Arsenal could end up with a semi-rotated team to do the job.
Hull lie third in the table after recent mixed results, but one player Arsenal will need to watch out for is Abel Hernandez. A limited success when Hull were in the Premier League, he has flourished in the Championship, notching up 17 league goals this season. Even if Steve Bruce decides to rest him, Ahmed Elmohamady and his crossing ability will be a thorn in Arsenal’s side.
Meanwhile, Iwobi could prove to be a surprise danger to Hull. Having impressed when given a chance, his direct running and ability to find space in the no.10 role could give Hull’s midfielders the run around.
Match facts
– This will be the fourth time Arsenal have played Hull in the FA Cup in three years – the other results being 3-2 and 2-0 wins for Arsenal, followed by a goalless draw.
– Arsenal’s two players on loan to Hull, Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden, are permitted to play in the fixture.
– Arsenal’s draw against Tottenham broke a three match losing streak.
– Alexis’ equaliser on Saturday was his first League goal since 17th October. Giroud’s goalless 10 matches represents his longest drought in an Arsenal shirt.
Team news
– There are no fresh injuries for Arsenal, but Francis Coquelin is suspended after getting sent off on Saturday. Jack Wilshere, Petr Cech and Santi Cazorla remain out for a few weeks. Lauren Koscielny is out for the tie and likely to remain absent for the weekend.
– Steve Bruce meanwhile, is likely to rest a host of players for the game.
Predicted XI
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Chambers, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs; Flamini, Elneny; Campbell, Iwobi, Walcott; Giroud.
Hull City (4-4-1-1);Jakupovic; Maguire, Bruce, Davies, Elmohamady; Tymon, Meyler, Taylor, Maloney; Powell; Diomande
