Five key battles that Arsenal need to win if they are to fend off Hull at the Emirates today…
After winning the FA Cup during their last meeting, Arsenal should be confident of beating Steve Bruce’s Hull City. But with a number of injuries to key players at the moment, the Gunners are looking on very shaky ground. If Arsene Wenger hopes to get all three points today there are a few key battles his side will need to win.
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Here are five key battles that could decide the result of Arsenal v Hull:
5) Jack Wilshere v Tom Huddlestone
Wilshere had a superb international break, and the young Englishman will be looking to carry the form that earned him two Man of the Match awards back to Arsenal.
He will be key going forward for the Gunners against Hull, but he will also have to be alert to the danger that Tom Huddlestone creates. If the impetuous youngster is caught too far up the field then Arsenal could be caught out by the passing range that the former Tottenham man possesses.
4) Per Mertesacker v Abel Hernandez
With so many defensive injuries, the gangly German will be key to Arsenal’s success against Hull. He will need to marshal the defence properly, and lead by example no matter who he is paired with.
It won’t just be Hernandez that the stand in Gunners captain will need to look out for, but the pace of the Uruguayan could cause him some extra problems.
3) Mathieu Flamini v Mohamed Diame
With Arsenal’s makeshift defence looking the way it is at the moment, the Frenchman will need to stay alert. He will need to offer plenty of cover to his teammates, and prevent the likes of Diame getting in between the lines.
With Hull likely to play two up front and having their wing-backs overlapping, the defence will already have it’s hands full. If Flamini loses his man then Diame could cause Arsenal some serious issues.
2) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain v Andrew Robertson
With the young Spaniard Hector Bellerin at right-back, Chamberlain will have to offer him plenty of defensive support. Robertson will get forward at any opportunity, and he is an absolutely lethal crosser.
The English international may also be able to force Robertson to retreat into his own half by putting pressure on the defence with his direct style of play, but he has to be fully aware of his defensive duties as well.
1) Danny Welbeck v Michael Dawson
If Hull play three at the back then their centre-backs will be largely unused at times. With Arsenal playing a lone striker up front, Danny Welbeck will be occupying all three defenders.
Hull’s summer signing from Tottenham Michael Dawson is not known for his pace, so if Welbeck can get beyond him he should have a clear run at goal.