Hull v Arsenal: Gunners must take chance to salvage their season
Published:
It’s not a fixture anybody particularly wanted, Hull manager Steve Bruce said as much after the first tie between his side and Arsenal ended 0-0 at the Emirates, but this replay could prove pivotal for the Gunners’ campaign.
Since Arsene Wenger’s men came unstuck against an inspired Eldin Jakupovic in the Tigers’ goal three weeks ago, they’ve lost three and drawn one of their subsequent four fixtures.
Defeat to Barcelona in Europe was followed by morale-sapping losses to Manchester United and Swansea City, before Alexis Sanchez salvaged a draw in the weekend’s north London derby.
With their Premier League hopes hanging by a thread, and only a miracle at the Nou Camp seeing Arsenal progress in Europe, the FA Cup once again becomes the best hope for a new trophy in the Emirates cabinet this summer.
Arsenal are 3/4 favourites for the game, with the hosts at 7/2 and an extra-time inducing draw available at 13/5.
Hull have made the Kingston Communications Stadium a true fortress this season, losing just once and they’ve not conceded in any of their last six fixtures in front of their own.
Thankfully for the north Londoners however, Hull have other priorities, and boss Steve Bruce has said he will continue his policy of prioritising promotion from the Championship over an FA Cup run.
Before Hull commenced their route to the final in 2014, their Premier League record read P20, W6 D5, L9. Steady enough to be 10th ahead of the third round.
Hull’s League record while they then mixed the FA Cup – P18 W4, D2, L12 to finish 16th.
So with another raft of changes set to be named by the Tigers manager, and Arsenal desperate to get back to winning ways, it would be wise to back our Price Boost of Arsenal to win and both teams to score from 11/4 to 10/3.
Neither side wants extra-time so we can expect both sides to strive to get this done in the 90.
We have a whole host of other price boosts for the match too, including a Theo Walcott wincast which you can get on right here.
This really is crunch time for Arsene Wenger. The crowd are on his back once again after a dismal run, and this trip to the Humberside club has become very much a must-win game for the Gunners.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing.
