Hull City v Arsenal preview

Wenger: Ready for Hull trip

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Skysports.com's prediction: Hull 0 Arsenal 2

One to watch: Nicklas Bendtner

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is unlikely to win many prizes for his ability to spot glitz, but he has his eyes on another award as he prepares his side for a trip to Hull City on Saturday.

Amid the latest wave of speculation that Real Madrid want him to become their next boss if Manuel Pellegrini is sacked, the Gunners chief pointed out that, with not exactly unique insight, the Spanish capital is more glamorous than Hull.

But while telling Real that he was not interested, Wenger indicated that a fixture at the KC Stadium was his only focus as third-placed Arsenal attempt to win a first Premier League title since 2004 and they could end the day in top spot if results go their way.

Hull, though, have their own concerns ahead of kick-off as Phil Brown's men are among several teams battling against relegation in a fight that looks agonisingly set to go right to the wire.

The Tigers were thrashed at Everton last Sunday to suffer a third successive league defeat that leaves them sitting second from bottom of the table as the campaign reaches make-or-break point.

To make matters worse for Brown and his squad, they are welcoming an Arsenal side who appear to be hitting another high in a season when their form has fluctuated with frustrating regularity.

If Nicklas Bendtner had his shooting boots, Wenger's team could have doubled their 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend, but the Dane then proved he could hit a barn door with a hat-trick in the demolition of Porto in the UEFA Champions League.

Bad blood

There is therefore plenty at stake for both teams to add spice to a fixture which requires little additional bad blood, with both clubs fined for failing to control their players during the match at Emirates Stadium before Christmas.

Hull will be missing Anthony Gardner as the defender was ruled out for six weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage in the recent defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham and Ian Ashbee remains a long-term absentee.

Stephen Hunt is considering postponing a foot operation to help in the scrap against the drop and will be tested before the match, but Craig Fagan is available after a suspension.

Arsenal look set to again be without captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), while Tomas Rosicky faces a fitness test on his groin problem.

Bacary Sagna (ankle) is also a doubt, although veteran defender Sol Campbell is expected to be available after suffering from cramp in the win over Porto.

Midfielder Alex Song serves the second match of a domestic ban, while centre-back William Gallas (calf) is still sidelined.

Aaron Ramsey (broken leg), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) are still missing.

Possible starting XIs

Hull City: Myhill, McShane, Mouyokolo, Zayatte, Kilbane, Garcia, Bullard, Boateng, Cairney, Fagan, Venegoor of Hesselink.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Vermaelen, Clichy, Rosicky, Nasri, Denilson, Diaby, Arshavin, Bendtner.