This year’s FA Cup is a massive game for both clubs. Arsenal has another chance to end their 9-year trophy drought that the media keeps reminding everyone about, and Hull have a chance to win a trophy.
Ever since Arsenal lost to Birmingham in the League Cup final, there has been a cloud over their head. However, this looks to be the year Arsenal can get that trophy they’ve been desperately wanting due to being the heavy favourites.
Hull City fans are simply hoping a trophy can be added to their rather small trophy case. Hull City is a club that has only won the second division once and the fourth division of English football twice. That’s only three trophies Hull City AFC have their name engraved on. Clearly, this is a massive game for Hull City and I’m sure the team, along with Steve Bruce, would go into Hull City Folklore if won.
This is obviously one of Hull City’s biggest games in their history and the team will be up for it. So, how can Arsenal line-up to combat Hull City’s certain desire, hunger, and tenacity?
Goalkeeper: Fabianski
I’d start Fabianski not only because he’s taken us this far in the competition, but also because he’s been excellent whenever called upon. In fact, I’ve been surprised Arsene Wenger hasn’t started him when Szczesny has had a slip up or two to give his fellow Polish international some competition.
Back Four: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs
To me, Sagna, Mertesacker, and Koscielny are no brainers. The three are without a doubt one of the best, if not the best, defensive three partnerships. All three have had excellent seasons and I’m tempted to call it a sin that, Arsenal haven’t given Sagna a reasonable contract to sign and Koscielny or Mertesacker was in the BPL’s team of the year.
The only real debate was between Gibbs and Monreal in the left back position. Keeping in mind Hull City’s two best goal threats, Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic, are cup-tied; their greatest attacking threat is Elmohamady. I expect the Egyptian-international to play as a wing-back so he can get as far forward as possible and so Hull can have three central midfielders to not get overrun in the middle of the park. So the debate was: Who has a greater chance of stopping Elmohamady? I simply picked Gibbs because of his greater defensive abilities.
Holding Midfielders: Arteta, Ramsey
I feel Arteta and Ramsey pick themselves. They are clearly the best complimentary partnership Arsenal has in the holding midfielder role. Even just a few weeks ago when Arsenal played Hull, these two were exceptional. In fact, both players completed the most passes in the game for any player with 70 and 67 respectively. Oh, and Ramsey scored too, of course.
Attacking Midfielders and Striker: Cazorla, Özil, Podolski
Again, I feel these players pick themselves. In recent games, including the Hull fixture, these three worked excellently together. Cazorla was the third highest completed passer with 61, Özil was…well Özil, and Podolski scored 2 goals.
Striker: Sanogo
People might think this is a bad idea giving he hasn’t scored any goals this season and I understand their point, but I beg to differ. I’ll tell you why. If one can remember the quarterfinal of the FA Cup, Giroud scored twice off the bench. What happened was Sanogo used his energy, ran the channels, and caused the defense to tire. This left Giroud that extra bit of space which he took advantage of to score his brace.
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I expect Hull to play with a back three. This means that would give Hull a huge advantage in the backline by having a 3v1 match up. I feel that could be too much for Giroud to handle if he started because he’d be too isolated to make a big impact on the game. Sanogo on the other hand has plenty of energy to stretch, tire, and cause some problems for Hull’s back three. So, once the back three of Hull City fatigue, send on Giroud for the finishing touch. Besides, even if Sanogo does score, that’s not so bad either.
Hull City will absolutely be up for one of the biggest games in their history. Although, I think Arsenal’s quality is just too much for Hull City to handle, especially without their two top strikers unable to play. I expect Arsenal to finally end their nine-year trophy drought comfortably. Predicted score: 3-0.
How would you line-up in the final? Have your say in the comments section below.
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Photo via Ronnie Macdonald
Written by – Steven Scott | @OneTouchSoccer | OneTouchSoccer.tumblr.com