Arsenal Aim to Stretch Title Lead as Hull Visit Emirates
Leaders look to open gap before international break
Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon with the Premier League summit firmly in their sights. Mikel Arteta’s side sit three points clear at the top after nine games and can open a temporary six-point gap over Manchester City with a victory over newly promoted Hull City in Gameweek 10.
The Gunners’ 1-0 win at Anfield last weekend restored control of the title race. Combined with a solid midweek Champions League success in Prague, Arteta’s men arrive at this fixture in confident mood and still the only team with a perfect home record this season. A win before the November international break would allow them to head into the pause with clear daylight at the summit.
Hull’s stubborn start meets Arsenal’s home dominance
Hull have proved stubborn rather than spectacular since their promotion. Sergej Jakirović’s side sit 11th on 11 points, without a victory in their last five league outings. Five draws underline their organisation and resilience, yet goals have been harder to come by on the road. The Tigers have not beaten Arsenal in the Premier League since a famous night at the Emirates in 2008.
Arteta has publicly respected the challenge. “It’s been an incredible journey from what the club has done last year,” the Arsenal manager said. “Some of the difficult games they’ve come through and competed in, they’ve earned the right to be here and been impressive.”
Team news
Arsenal will again be without Bukayo Saka, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Max Dowman is suspended. William Saliba is edging closer to a return after a lingering back issue and could feature from the bench. Ezri Konsa is expected to start despite recent concerns, partnering Gabriel Magalhães. Kai Havertz is set to lead the line, with Viktor Gyökeres pushing for inclusion after his goal and assist in Prague. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to anchor the midfield.
Hull face a lengthy injury list. Goalkeeper Jack Butland, left-back Matt Targett, Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Charlie Hughes and Ilyas Ansah are all expected to miss out. Oli McBurnie is set to lead the attack, with Mohamed Belloumi the main creative threat. The visitors are likely to line up in a compact 5-4-1 formation designed to frustrate Arsenal.
Head to head
Arsenal hold a clear historical advantage. Across 26 meetings in all competitions the Gunners have won 18, drawn five and lost just three. In Premier League encounters Arsenal have dominated in recent years, including a 2-0 home win in February 2017 and a 4-1 victory at the KC Stadium the previous season. Hull’s last success against Arsenal came in 2008 at the Emirates.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Rice; Madueke, Ødegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
Hull City (5-4-1): Tzolakis; Coyle, Egan, Mendy, Ajayi, Giles; Belloumi, Slater, Iroegbunam, Stroud; McBurnie
Prediction
Arsenal are overwhelming favourites and should control the match from the outset. Hull will sit deep and look to frustrate, but Arteta’s side have the quality to break them down. Expect a professional, controlled performance rather than a goal rush.
Predicted score: Arsenal 2-0 Hull City
Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. A solid win would strengthen Arsenal’s grip on the title race heading into the international break.
