Arsenal vs Hull City – FA Cup – Preview

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Sreya

Arsenal hosts Hull City at the Emirates in the fifth round of the FA Cup on 20th February, Saturday. The holders of the world’s oldest cup competition meet Hull City for the third consecutive season – Arsenal had broken their nine-year trophy jinx against Hull City when they relied on Aaron Ramsey’s goal to plot a dramatic comeback against the Tigers in the 2014 FA Cup finals.

With both clubs set to play crucial matches next week, the managers are expected to rotate heavily during the lesser significant cup tie.

Team News

Gabriel and Jack Wilshere are Arsene Wenger’s only injury concerns, while Laurent Koscielny is likely to be available in spite of facing a late fitness test. Wenger has confirmed David Ospina will start in goal. Mohamed Elneny is also set to make his FA Cup debut tomorrow.

Hull City have a totally healthy squad for tomorrow’s match. However, a number of key players are expected to be rested, for Hull City travel to Ipswich Town on Tuesday in a bid to earn direct promotion to the Premier League next season. Nick Powell will make his Hull City debut at the Emirates, according to the manager Steve Bruce.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We play them every year in the FA Cup! We know them well and they are in a strong position in the Championship. I will, as always, play a team who has a good chance to qualify. The normal squad is involved on Saturday. It is a normal squad and we’ll play a usual strong team.”

– Arsene Wenger, Arsenal.

“Nick [Powell] will definitely play. When you look at a game like we had on Tuesday night against Brighton, Nick could be just the type of player we’re looking for and he will have a big part to play in the coming weeks.

Making changes is the only option I’ve got. After Arsenal, we play again on Tuesday and then Friday so I have to make sure we’re fresh enough to compete in those games as well.”

– Steve Bruce, Hull City.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Arsenal have won 82% of its matches against Hull City till date. The Gunners have won the last eight home matches in the FA Cup. Their defeat by Blackburn in 2013 is the only time the Gunners have lost to lower-league opposition in forty FA Cup games under Arsene Wenger’s management.

Hull have won four of their last five away games in all competitions, including a victory over Bury at Gigg Lane in the last round. Although Arsenal will begin as favorites, Hull City are likely to pose a suitable challenge, with the Gunner going through via a 2-1 win.