Hull are no pushovers

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action on Saturday afternoon as the English champions welcome Premier League newcomers Hull City to the Emirates Stadium.

Fresh from their victory over Liverpool last Sunday, their first triumph at Anfield since 2012, the Gunners sit three points clear at the summit, having capitalised on Manchester City’s successive defeats.

This weekend they will be determined not to surrender that advantage, and an emphatic victory over Hull would go a long way towards securing it.

Hull, however, are unlikely to prove a pushover. They have already sprung surprises with wins over Manchester United and a draw against Chelsea, and currently occupy 11th place. Mikel Arteta will therefore need to field a strong side.

Raya;  

Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori;  

Rice, Guimarães, Ødegaard;  

Madueke, Havertz, Tzolis.

Hull will almost certainly set up in their compact 5-4-1 shape and do everything possible to frustrate Arsenal.

Even so, a slightly fatigued Gunners side should eventually find a way through. Once the Tigers begin chasing the game without success, Arsenal can exploit the more open contest, claim another straightforward win and stretch their lead at the top to six points before City face Nottingham Forest.