Prediction: Arsenal vs Hull City



Verdict: Hull City +1.5 Asian handicap

Best Odds: 51/50

Bookmaker: bet365

Arsenal are in danger of seeing yet another promising season turn into major disappointment, and the reality is every game between now and the end of the campaign will be must-win for them. Hull City are in similar situation seeing as how they have been unable to leave the bottom three, but the 2-0 triumph over Liverpool should serve as a major lift ahead of the trip to the Emirates.

Arsenal

It’s that time of the season when Arsenal fans start asking for Arsene Wenger to be sacked as it has again been the case of same old for the Gunners. The Emirates outfit enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, but then could not keep up with their title rivals, with a top 4 finish now in danger as well. The promising run of results came to an abrupt end as Arsenal were beaten at home by Watford, but they were then given the opportunity to make things right in the derby game against Premier League leaders Chelsea. However, Arsene Wenger’s charges were again pretty disappointing, suffering a 3-1 loss and slipping to fourth in the process. With Spurs and Liverpool facing each other this weekend, the Gunners can improve their top 4 hopes by defeating revived Hull City, but that is not going to be an easy job. Back to back losses to Watford and Chelsea will have seriously hurt the players’ confidence and with the game taking place mere four days ahead of the Champions League game against Bayern Munich, the hosts will be under pressure to return to winning ways and thus improve their chances of matching the Bavarians at Allianz Arena.

Team News

Arsene Wenger is reportedly ready to hand a starting berth to Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, while Hector Bellerin is unlikely to be risked after suffering a head injury.



Hull City

It is fair to say that Hull City chiefs have made a great decision to appoint Marco Silva as their new manager, as the Portuguese tactician has quickly helped the players restore the lost confidence and gave them belief that they could actually avoid the drop. The Tigers have so far won no fewer than four matches since the former Olympiakos boss took over and while two of those were achieved in domestic Cups, recent results have done wonders for the dressing room atmosphere. Hull City have seriously improved their performances in the Premier League as well, holding Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford before recording a comfortable triumph over title-chasing Liverpool, so they can be forgiven for feeling optimistic about the Arsenal game. The Tigers have seen important players Jake Livermore and Robert Snodgrass leave in January, but new recruits Niasse, Evandro, Grosicki and Elabdellaoui have already make their presence known, and they are expected to face the Gunners as well. After the 0-0 draw against Man Utd ended a nine-match losing run on the road, Hull City will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat in the second away game.

Team News

Hull City captain Michael Dawson remains doubtful after pulling out of the Liverpool game, whereas Ryan Mason and Will Keane are still sidelined.

Key Factors to Consider

• Hull City won their first ever game against Arsenal in 2008 at the Emirates
• The Gunners have since won 11 of their next 13 meetings (D2)
• Arsenal conceded three goals in last two home games
• Hull City ended a nine-match losing run on the road at Old Trafford
• The Tigers kept two clean sheets in a row (W1 D1)

Conclusion

Arsenal are going trough a very rough patch at the moment and even though they have been made strong favourites, we believe in-form Hull can make their life difficult on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers have seriously raised their game of late and we are backing them to do well at the Emirates.

Verdict: Hull City +1.5 Asian handicap

Best Odds: 51/50

Bookmaker: bet365