Arsene Wenger recently revealed that this tie is the most important in the Gunners’ lives, and as they travel to the KC Stadium to face Steve Bruce’s side, they will be well aware of the fact that they need nothing less than a win to progress to the next round of the competition. They come into this match as the favourites by virtue of being the defending champions but on the other hand, with Hull City fighting for a return to the Premier League in the championship table, they could use this match to send a strong message to their would-be competitors next season should they be promoted to the Premier League.
The Gunners rested some of their key players as the two sides battled to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the fixture on February 20, 2016. Wenger was hoping that, despite resting some of the most important players in his squad, the selected ones would easily cruise past Steve Bruce’s men but that was not the case.
Hull were clearly the happier side after the final whistle since they knew very well that with the scoreboard reading 0-0 at full-time, they were guaranteed of a replay at their own backyard. They will now rely on their home advantage to cruise past the North Londoners, who have not won any of their last five games in all competitions.
WATCH: Wenger talks about Hull's game and why it is very important to the Gunners
If Hull had invited the Premier League title contenders at the KC Stadium around December, January or towards the end of February, very few people would have given The Tigers hopes of pouncing on the Gunners. But right now, the current Arsenal is a pale shadow of its former self having endured a five-match winless run since beating Leicester City.
Fortunately for Wenger’s men, they have not tasted defeat in their last 15 FA Cup games and will be hoping to extend the impressive run when Hull come calling. The FA Cup defending champions have also beaten Hull away from home in their last four meetings in all competitions. This further gives them an added advantage over their Tuesday hosts.
Ahead of this fixture, Arsene Wenger is a stressed man; he needs to field a strong squad that will effectively beat Hull and avoid injuries as they face giant-slayers West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this weekend. Thereafter, they will embark on a journey to the Nou Camp to face European giants Barcelona in the Champions League. But with the Champions League and Premier League titles slowly slipping out of their hands, the Gunners have one special chance of grabbing silverware this season. But their dreams of winning the FA Cup three-times in a row could be crashed if they fall to the Championship side later today.
Team news
Hull City FC
Steve Bruce could start Jakupovic and Nick Powell in order to rest some of his key players for the play-off battle in the Championship table.
Arsenal FC
The visitors will miss the services of Petr Cech, Francis Coquelin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Carzola, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere. However, Laurent Koscielny may return from injury. Wenger might also decide to rest the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in order to maintain their fitness as they hunt for the Premier League title this season.
Which channel is broadcasting Hull City vs Arsenal on TV or Online?
USA: On Fox Sports GO, Fox Sports 2 USA or Fox Soccer 2GO USA at 14:00 EST.
Canada: Tune in to Sportsnet World or Sportsnet World Now at 14:00 EST.
UK: Follow the FA Cup action on BBC Radio 5 Live, BT Sport Live Streaming, BBC Radio or BT Sport 1 at 19:00 GMT.
Alternatively, if you don’t live in any of these three countries, you can visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast information for your specific location across the world.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
