Arsenal vs. Hull City: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape FA Cup Clash

Arsenal's FA Cup third-round tie sees them come up against Hull City in a recreation of last year's final.

The tie will inevitably revive wonderful memories of that day in May when the Gunners came from 2-0 down to end their long wait for a trophy. However, this is a different game in different circumstances. After defeat at Southampton, Arsene Wenger desperately needs a win: The FA Cup now represents his only realistic chance of silverware in 2015.

Go to the next slide as we break down the key issues that could decide the game.

Will Last Year's Final Have an Influence?

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After having the FA Cup cruelly snatched away from them, Hull City will surely be out for revenge at the Emirates Stadium.

When the two sides met in the Premier League earlier this season, Steve Bruce's side seemed highly motivated and grabbed a 2-2 draw. Arsenal will have to be on their guard against a Hull team seeking vengeance.

Will Arsene Wenger Unleash Chuba Akpom?

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Teenage striker Chuba Akpom has been on the bench for each of Arsenal's last two league games, and he even got 10 minutes as a substitute at Southampton. With Olivier Giroud still suspended and Lukas Podolski headed for the exit, as reported by BBC Sport, Arsene Wenger might now see fit to hand Akpom a first start of the season.

Akpom is a huge prospect who has scored goals for fun at every youth level. Now he faces his greatest challenge: transferring that blistering form to senior level.

Wenger may be particularly keen to include Akpom as his contract expires in the summer. A start against Hull could go some way towards convincing him to sign an extension.

Will Hull Play a Full-Strength Team?

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Last season, Hull's run to the FA Cup final was the icing on a very successful season.

This time round, their priorities may be different. Steve Bruce's team are embroiled in a relegation scrap, and he may choose to rest certain players to focus on their Premier League campaign.

If Hull are not able to field their first XI, Arsenal will be strong favourites for this game.

How Will David Ospina Fare?

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Arsene Wenger has already confirmed that Colombian international David Ospina will start this game in place of Wojciech Szczesny.

After Szczesny's errors against Southampton, Ospina will know he has a chance to seize the No. 1 spot for himself. His performance will go some way towards determining the outcome of this tie.

Can Arsenal Deal with Hull's Set-Piece Threat?

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Arsenal's failure to deal with Hull's set-piece threat almost cost them the 2014 FA Cup final.

Hull's aerial dominance saw them take a 2-0 lead before the Gunners rescued the game and the cup. Arsenal will need to defend far better if they are to make this a comfortable victory.