Hull City play host to Arsenal at the KC Stadium on Monday night having boosted their chances of securing Premier League survival during recent outings.
While the title may be out of reach as far as the Gunners are concerned, finishing in second spot is still a major possibility, with a win on Humberside vital to their chances of sealing it.
Hull
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Two games ago, Hull City's status as a Premier League club seemed to be hanging by a thread.
On a run of just two victories from their previous 12 outings, Steve Bruce's men were only two points above the drop zone, with the likes of Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers - who were lurking below them - having games in hand.
However, from tricky-looking fixtures away at Crystal Palace and at home to Champions League hopefuls Liverpool, the Tigers collected an impressive six points, easing those fears that had started to linger, at least for the time being.
Of course, that could all change during this weekend's round of fixtures. Hull's fellow strugglers are all in action before them, meaning that their four-point cushion to the relegation places could be cut if the likes of Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers claim victories from their encounters with Southampton and Liverpool respectively.
It's a situation that midfielder Robbie Brady is only too aware of, having stressed to his teammates and the supporters earlier this week that the "job is not done yet".
Monday's game marks the start of a tough remaining four encounters for Hull, who after the visit of the North Londoners play host to Burnley, before rounding off the campaign away at Tottenham Hotspur and then at home to Manchester United.
Recent form: DLLWWW
Arsenal
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Not since 2005 have the Gunners finished as high as second in the Premier League.
While everybody connected with the club would no doubt rather be challenging for the title, claiming that runners-up place this time around would at least represent progress heading into the 2015-16 campaign. And, with Arsene Wenger now seemingly more willing to part with big transfer fees, the future looks bright.
The equation for Wenger's side is simple: Win their remaining five matches - starting with the trip to Hull - and second spot will be theirs.
In truth, their form heading into the game could not be much better, having lost none of their last 10 encounters in all competitions. They may have disappointingly exited the Champions League during that period, but they have at least reached the final of the FA Cup at Wembley, where they will defend the trophy that they lifted 12 months ago.
As far as the Premier League is concerned, they are the division's form team, losing just once in 2015.
It's no coincidence that an upturn in fortunes has come at the same as Olivier Giroud's return to full fitness. The French striker may be on a three-game run without a goal, but prior to that he found the net 10 times in as many appearances.
In fact, goals have not been a problem for Arsenal all season. Only leaders Chelsea and Manchester City can better their return of 63 Premier League goals, while the same two teams are also the only ones to have scored more goals away from home then Wenger's charges.
Recent form: WWWWWD
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWD
Team News
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At his press conference on Friday morning, a content-looking Wenger revealed that he has no real injury concerns for the trip to the KC Stadium.
Nevertheless, he did reveal that right-back Mathieu Debuchy is lacking match fitness because of a recent hamstring complaint, which may rule him out. In the Frenchman's continued absence, youngster Hector Bellerin will deputise.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been tipped to return to the squad following a groin injury, with the England international likely to start among the substitutes.
In contrast to his opposite number, Bruce has a handful of injury issues. A knee problem means that summer signing Robert Snodgrass will play no part this season, while Mohamed Diame, Andrew Robertson and Curtis Davies all face late fitness tests.
There is also growing concern over the availability of leading goalscorer Nikica Jelavic, who has found the net eight times in the Premier League. The Croatian centre-forward has not played since the middle of March because of a knee complaint.
In goal, Bruce has usual number one Allan McGregor available again, but he could stick with veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper.
Hull possible starting lineup:
Harper; Brady, McShane, Dawson, Chester, Elmohamady; Huddlestone, Livermore, Quinn, Aluko; N'Doye
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud
Head To Head
You have to go all the way back to 1915 to find Hull's last home win over Arsenal, although they did get the better of their London opponents at the Emirates Stadium in 2008 when Geovanni and Daniel Cousin did the damage.
It's a fixture, though, that has been dominated by the men in red. Of the 22 meetings between the two sides in total, Arsenal have won 14 of them, losing just three.
Hull did go ever so close to recording a fourth victory earlier in the season, only to be denied by Danny Welbeck's stoppage-time equaliser, which rescued a 2-2 draw for the hosting Gunners, who also won the FA Cup tie between the pair in January.
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Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Hull 0-2 Arsenal
Hull may be in positive mood, but neither of the sides that they have beaten of late have been in Arsenal's form. The Gunners failed to score against Chelsea last time out and will want to put that right. They are bound to dominate the possession and providing that they take their chances, they should win this one comfortably.
Liam Apicella
