To say Hull city manager Phil brown is ‘controversial’ is a massive understatement. The Tigers boss will be returning to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since the controversial ’spit spat’ that allegedly occurred between Cesc Fabregas and Brown’s assistant Brian Horton. Cesc was let off immediately by the FA, yet Phil Brown remains a much-maligned figure amongs the Arsenal faithful, and for good reason.
The fake-tanned, outspoken Hull City boss will be travelling south to Ashburton Grove with no fresh injury concerns ahead of this afternoon’s fixture. Striker Daniel Cousin has recovered from a shoulder injury but long-term absentees Jimmy Bullard and Ian Ashbee remain out. Brown’s Arsenal counterpart is not so lucky.
Arsene Wenger will be without captain and influential midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who injured his hamstring at Burnley midweek. He is the only new injury concern, however a host of Gunners are still yet to recover from their long-term injury woes. They are Bendtner (hernia), Clichy (back), Djourou (knee), Gibbs (foot), Rosicky (groin), Traore (hamstring) and van Persie (ankle). That leaves the likely lineup looking something like this:
Eduardo – Arshavin – Walcott
Nasri – Song – Denilson
Silvestre – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Senderos, Eboue, Diaby, Ramsey, Merida, Vela.
Possible amendments to that lineup include the inclusion of Emmanuel Eboue instead of Theo Walcott, or possibly Nasri in Walcott’s position with the Englishman moving to the Bench in favour of Abou Diaby or Aaron Ramsey. Regardless, that should be enough to overcome a struggling Hull City outfit.
The Tigers are not the same side they were a year ago, and find themselves only one point above the relegation zone. Hull are looking like real contenders for demotion, and thus Arsenal must come away with all three points tonight. We are perfectly capable of that, and I’m predicting a 2-0 victory with Arshavin and Eduardo getting on the scoresheet.
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