Arsenal pick up their FA Cup title defence with a match at home to Hull City on Saturday. With the Gunners' title hopes as strong at this stage of the season as they have been for a very long time, their visitors will be hoping to capitalise on the distraction posed by the league. Arsène Wenger looks set to rest a few of his key first-teamers, meaning the likes of January signing Mohamed Elneny will be hoping to be handed starts.
Arsenal vs. Hull City 2016: Time, TV schedule and how to watch FA Cup online
Arsenal take on Hull City in Saturday’s early FA Cup fifth round tie.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
That said, it’d be understandable if Hull were also focusing their attention on other priorities. Steve Bruce’s side are currently enjoying a successful season in the Championship, and are provisionally set to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. With promotion to the top flight a much more lucrative prize than a place in the next round of the FA Cup, they may not be quite as motivated as they otherwise would.
Key player: Joel Campbell (Arsenal)
Wenger will likely take this opportunity to rest some of his most important attacking players, including Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil, which could leave them a little short on creativity against a Hull team that are likely to sit back and soak up pressure. That could leave the Gunners rather reliant on a big performance from the inventive Costa Rican winger Joel Campbell, who has impressed when given the chance at the Emirates this season. Hull will have to work hard to keep him quiet.
Recent history
Arsenal have won their last two meetings with Hull City, including a 2-0 win in this competition last January. However, the Tigers certainly shouldn’t be underestimated: these sides met in the final of the FA Cup back in 2014, with Hull racing into a 2-0 lead before Arsenal came from behind to win 3-2 after extra time. However, Hull’s only win away at the Emirates came all the way back in 2008, so they’ve not got much form on the road.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla (knee); Tomáš Rosický (thigh). In doubt: Gabriel (hamstring); Laurent Koscielny (dead leg).
Hull City injuries and suspensions
Out: Adama Diomandé (unspecified). In doubt: None.
Arsenal will still certainly be without midfielders Wilshere, Cazorla and Rosický, though defenders Gabriel and Koscielny could both be back at Wenger's disposal. Hull City's only certain absentee is striker Diomandé, who has barely featured since arriving from Norway in the summer.
Match date/time: Sat., 7:45 a.m. ET, 12:45 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English); FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish); Sportsnet World (Canada); BT Sport 2 (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (U.K.)
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