Arsenal v Hull preview

Gunners have lost one of 40 league games at The Emirates

By James Dall   Last updated: 26th September 2008

Arsene Wenger Arsenal manager

Wenger: Tigers test

Skysports.com prediction: Arsenal 2 Hull 0

Sky Bet odds: Arsenal 2/9, Draw 5/1, Hull 12/1

One to Watch: Robin van Persie

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Arsene Wenger will turn to his more experienced charges for Saturday's Premier League encounter versus Hull City.

Gunners boss Wenger sent out the club's youngest ever side - with an average age of just 19 - in the 6-0 Carling Cup win over Sheffield United on Tuesday.

A whole host of changes are expected for the clash against Phil Brown's Hull, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, 21, and Emmanuel Adebayor, 24, expected to return to the starting XI.

Arsenal are currently top of the table and are seeking their fourth consecutive league three points, but will be wary of facing a Hull outfit that has impressed early on this term.

Clean sheet

The newly-promoted Tigers have begun the 2008/09 campaign in encouraging fashion, amounting eight points from their opening five matches.

Their last league outing ended in a 2-2 draw with Everton, and Brown will be aware his side must shore up their defence if they are to secure what would be a surprise result at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has been boosted by the news that French left-back Gael Clichy should be fit for the clash after recovering from Bolton striker Kevin Davies' challenge that left him with a bruised shin.

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre could make his Arsenal debut after returning to fitness from a thigh injury.

Boateng

Samir Nasri has failed to shrug off a knee problem in time, while midfielder Alexandre Song faces a late fitness test after he injured his hip against the Blades.

Hull defender Anthony Gardner has been ruled out of the showdown in North London with a thigh problem.

New signing Kamil Zayatte, who made his first start against the Toffees, is set to retain his place alongside defender Michael Turner.

George Boateng is likely to be restored in midfield but Stelios Giannakopoulos, who joined the club this week, lacks match fitness and is unlikely to be under consideration.

Possible starting XIs

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Fabregas, Walcott, Van Persie, Adebayor.

Hull City: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Ashbee, Marney, Halmosi, Cousin, King.