Arsene Wenger takes Arsenal into the clash with Hull after voicing his frustration at the fixture list.
Gunners welcome 'fresh' Hull after action-packed week
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger takes his side into Saturday's Premier League clash with Hull after making no secret of his frustration at the fixture list.
The Gunners welcome their lowly opponents to the Emirates after away games on Sunday and Wednesday, while Hull have not played since 12th December.
Wenger's complaints came after Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Turf Moor in midweek, which followed their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
"We have some teams who do not play at all," said Wenger. "We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week."
Hull, who are just one point clear of the relegation zone, travel to London with fresh legs after Everton's Europa League commitments allowed them a game-free week.
The Tigers' last outing ended in a goalless home draw against Blackburn and manager Phil Brown will be looking to capitalise on the Gunners' busy schedule.
Team news
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of the game against Hull after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday's draw at Burnley.
Wenger is awaiting the results of the Spaniard's scans but is hopeful that he will be available for the busy Christmas period.
Denilson could replace the Gunners' skipper on Saturday after recovering from a back problem which forced him to miss the midweek clash at Turf Moor.
However, Wenger will still be without Nicklas Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky, Gael Clichy and Armand Traore.
Hull have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip to London after managing to avoid casualties in their free week.
Manager Phil Brown is missing only midfielder Jimmy Bullard¸ who damaged a medial ligament at Aston Villa a fortnight ago, and long-term casualty Ian Ashbee, both with knee problems.
Brown has revealed the recent absence of striker Daniel Cousin - who was thought to be out of favour - has in part been due to a shoulder injury. The Gabon international is now fit and could be in contention.
Possible starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre; Walcott, Song, Diaby, Nasri; Eduardo; Arshavin.
Hull: Myhill, McShane, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Garcia, Boateng, Marney, Hunt, Geovanni, Fagan
