4 Dec 2013

Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Hull City

 Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Hull City



Premier League leaders Arsenal will be wary of a buoyant Hull City side ahead of Wednesday's meeting at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal has stormed to the top of the table with 10 wins from 13 games this season, its latest triumph coming at Cardiff City on Saturday.

Star midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored twice on that occasion as Arsenal won 3-0 to maintain a four-point advantage over second-placed Chelsea.

Ramsey has now netted 13 times in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side this season, and his efforts have undoubtedly helped France striker Olivier Giroud shoulder the scoring burden.

Big-money signing Mesut Ozil notched two assists at Cardiff in a continuation of his fine form, while Arsenal's mean defense is now the joint-best in the division.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has conceded a mere 10 goals this term and his side has lost just two home league matches in 2013.

"We are in a good position," said a happy Wenger following the Cardiff win. "It is early yet, but if we can remain focused and consistent the way we have been so far, I will be happy."

With a tricky run of fixtures that features games against Everton, Napoli, Manchester City and Chelsea before Christmas, Arsenal can't afford to slip up against Hull.

Steve Bruce's men will come into the game high on confidence after producing an excellent performance to defeat Liverpool 3-1 Sunday.

Despite plentiful coverage of the club's proposed name change to Hull City Tigers, manager Bruce and his players have remained focused and climbed into the Premier League's top half by beating Liverpool.

Attackers Lukas Podolski [hamstring], Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain [knee] and Yaya Sanogo [back] are still sidelined for Arsenal, as is midfielder Abou Diaby [knee].

Hull are also missing important players. Winger Sone Aluko [Achilles], midfielder Stephen Quinn and defender Paul McShane [both hamstring] are all injured, while in-form center half Curtis Davies is suspended.

Arsenal has met Hull just five times since 1988, winning on four occasions.

However, the Yorkshire side did record a famous 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in September 2008 in just its sixth Premier League match.

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