Arsenal go into today’s game with Hull City looking to get back to winning ways following the 2-0 away loss to Chelsea before the International break. There are more injury problems as seems the norm when players come back from International duty. The latest injury concern is French defender Laurent Koscielny who has damaged his Achilles, it is uncertain how long he will be sidelined but it is a huge blow for an already depleted back four. Calum Chambers is also unavailable due to suspension, expect to see an incredibly makeshift back four for the visit of Steve Bruce’s Hull City. Nacho Monreal is expected to play to the left of Per Mertesacker which immediately will raise question marks over the depth of the squad yet again. Monreal was played Centre Back in the Emirates cup against Monaco where he looked out of his depth he will most certainly be identified as a weak link this Afternoon.
There are many other absentees. Aaron Ramsey, Serge Gnabry, Theo Walcott, Yaya Sanogo, Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil. It is a long injury list which leaves options very limited for Arsene Wenger which regarding the Midfield could be a blessing in disguise. Santi Cazorla may well figure in his favourite position in a support striker role, finally. The onus will fall on Jack Wilshere again to dominate Midfield proceedings after two impressive England performances, he will figure more advanced and possibly rotate with Cazorla. Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are expected to play wide as part of a Midfield 5/front 3 which is a good move. They both have a busy work ethic which is something that Arsenal will need to break down a stubborn Hull City defence.
Thankfully Danny Welbeck has been passed fit and is expected to start again, there are very few striking options for Wenger due to a lack of investment in the required areas which has frustrated the Arsenal faithful, with just 7 games it is feeling like many seasons that have gone before.
Arsenal could be in for a tough afternoon the longer the game stays at 0-0, they shouldn’t need reminding for the first half of the FA Cup final they were firmly on the back foot. If the defending of set pieces is as poor as it was at Wembley in May Hull could cause an upset.