Hull City vs Arsenal Prediction - Hull need to at least a point to ensure survival

Hull City, while seemingly comfortable in 13^th place, are not out of the relegation battle and hence every point counts for them. They are only 6 points away from Fulham, though they do have a game in hand. However, things can change drastically in the Premier League, and so they would want to get to the very important 40 point mark to make sure they survive another year in the elite league. For that, getting maximum points in their remaining 5 games is very important, including against their FA Cup final opponents, Arsenal.

Arsenal were handed a lifeline, like almost every season, with the team competing for the Top 4 spot dropping points at the most crucial time. Although it is Tottenham Hotspur who find themselves in such an inglorious position every year, this time it was Everton’s turn to hand in their Champions League credentials. Now it is up to Arsenal to ensure they win all their remaining matches and make the 4^th place theirs once again. It will be a successful for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger if they are able to secure Champions League football for another season and are able to win the FA Cup.

In what will be a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final, Hull City and Arsenal will be looking at each other’s strengths and weaknesses. But the league game would be a quite different affair to the cup final, with both teams looking at different ends of the table. For Arsenal, another win will give them the gap they need to put pressure on Everton, who will have a tough game against Manchester United. Hull would want to take at least a point, if not all 3, to get closer to making their Premier League status secure for one more year.

Injuries

Hull City have 4 players injured in McGregor, Brady, McShane and Dudgeon. All 4 players are out for the long term and will not be ready for the game against Arsenal.

Arsenal have as many as 7 players on the sidelines, with Miyaichi, Walcott and Diaby out long term. Monreal, Ozil and Gnabry are all set to be available for this weekend’s game against Hull, but will have to face fitness tests to see if they can make it to the squad.

Head to Head

Hull City and Arsenal have been in completely different leagues for a major part of their histories, and so haven’t faced each other all that often. Of the 12 games that they have played each other, Arsenal have predictably been the superior team, with 9 wins. Hull City have, to their credit, still managed to get 2 wins against the Premier League heavyweights, with one game ending in a draw.

Form

Hull City – WLLWL

Arsenal – WLDDL

Prediction – Hull City 1-3 Arsenal

While Arsenal have played poorly off late, this late season scrap for 4^th place is something they are experts at, having done this for more time than they would care to acknowledge. They have the know-how and would be able to notch up an easy, if not convincing, win over Hull.