Arsenal vs Hull Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Arsenal get back to Premier League action after the international break when they entertain Hull City at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

After a reasonably promising start to the season, our title challenge has faltered badly in recent weeks with just one win in our last six games seeing us drop to eighth in the table.

We put in a spirited display at Stamford Bridge last time out but an eventual 2-0 defeat to league leaders Chelsea means we’re already nine points adrift in what’s been Arsene Wenger’s second-worst start to a campaign in his 18-year reign.

However, we’ve got a favourable run of fixtures on paper over the coming weeks starting with Hull City tomorrow – although we know Steve Bruce’s side won’t give us an easy ride as they pushed us all the way in last years FA Cup final.

The Tigers have enjoyed a reasonable start to the season as they head into the game sitting in eleventh place in the table but they will be looking to improve upon a terrible record in the capital that’s seen them win just one of their last 12 trips to London.

Team News

Arsene has confirmed that Mikel Arteta is back in the squad after recovering from a calf injury that’s kept him out for three weeks, while Aaron Ramsey will return to full training on Monday.

Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out after his Achilles problem flared up so Nacho Monreal could start at centre-back. Calum Chambers is suspended after picking up five bookings this season so Hector Bellerin is expected to deputise at right-back.

We were rocked by the news that Mesut Ozil has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a knee injury but Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry have stepped up their comeback after featuring for the Under-21’s tonight.

Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy remain long-term casualties.

Hull are sweating on the fitness of Mohamed Diame after his excursions with Senegal in midweek but he’s expected to be passed fit.

Allan Mcgregor is out with a shoulder injury while Robert Snodgrass is out with a knee problem.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Alexis Sanchez: The Chilean has settled into life in the Premier League extremely well and with Ozil out injured, Arsenal will look to the former Barcelona man for inspiration in the final third.

Prediction

Arsenal 3-1 Hull: Despite our injury problems and some players potentially suffering from an international hang-over, I think we’ll have too much for Hull tomorrow.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score?