3. Hatem Ben Arfa
The French midfielder is currently on loan at Hull City from Newcastle United, after being frozen out of the Magpies’ first team due to a falling out with manager Alan Pardew. The 27-year-old was once one of Europe’s highly-rated talents when he burst onto the scene for Olympique Lyonnais in 2004, and was a target for a number of Europe’s elite, including Arsenal. His career, however, has been underwhelming considering his potential. He is hoping to repay Hull City manager Steve Bruce for giving him another chance in the Premier League and this newly-found determination, as well as improved fitness, makes Ben Arfa a threat. He is expected to start on the left wing against Arsenal on Saturday, and could prove a handful for the inexperienced 19-year-old Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin, who is in for the suspended Calum Chambers. There have been times, particularly at the start of his career at St. James Park, when Ben Arfa has been absolutely unplayable (West Brom Away in March 2012 comes to mind), tearing teams to shreds with his pace and skill. So, if he does hit that type of form on Saturday, then Arsenal will be in real trouble.
Other players of note: Abel Hernandez, Gaston Ramirez.