Who Should Start for Arsenal in Its Must-Win Clash Against Hull City?

Arsenal's title aspirations were pegged back after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley. The draw means Arsenal are eight points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand. This weekend they face a tough Hull City side at the Emirates.

Phil Brown's side sit an unimpressive 16th on the table but the Tigers are always a handful and if Arsenal fail to secure the all important three points, their Premiership title hopes be torn to shreds.

As usual with Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has a handful of injury problems, the most recent and devastating was their captain Cesc Fabregas. The midfield maestro limped off during the first half of the Burnley encounter and is set to be sidelined for at least a week.

So with all the injury woes, who should start for the Gunners against Hull?

Goalkeepers

The has been a lot of debate about the who should be first choice keeper after the disappointing performances that the Arsenal keepers have shown at times this season. Many feel Lukasz Fabianski, the second string keeper, should be elevated to the dominant slot, but current first choice Manuel Almunia should keep his place for the Hull clash.

Defenders

The Arsenal defence was rather lackluster and frail against the Burnley attack but expect to see them rejuvenated come Saturday. With all three left backs, Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs, and Armand Traore, somehow injured, Mikael Silvestre will once again have to slot into the left flank.

Bacary Sagna will of course remain at right back whilst Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas will partner each other in the center half. The pair will need to show fight and strength and remain focus to ensure no mishaps occur.

Midfield

The Arsenal midfield will need to cope without Fabregas. The Spainards' absence will mean a lack of creativity and leadership but the three midfielders, Alexandre Song, Abou Diaby, and Aaron Ramsey, must step up and create goalscoring opportunities.

Alexandre Song will take the defensive duties. The Cameroonian has been superb this season, cutting down opposition midfield attacks with ease. Abou Diaby and Aaron Ramsey will have the more attacking roles.

Forwards

The Arsenal frontline have struggled with the absence of their main strike force Robin van Persie. However, they need to stand up and score some more goals. Eduardo Da Silva is likely to play the central role in between Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin. That frontline boasts creativity and skill but does lack height and strength.

Hull will look to use the lack of strength to their advantage by playing a very in your face, physical game. However, if the frontline can create and finish chances then their should be no problem.

Substitutes

With seven spots on the bench, Lukasz Fabianski will take the back-up keeper role, Emmanuel Eboue and Phillippe Senderos should have the back up defender roles whilst Eboue can double up as a midfielder. Wunderkind Jack Wilshere may also find a place along with Fran Merida, whilst Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott should also have a place.

Jay Emmauel-Thomas featured on the bench against Burnely,so he may also become a shock inclusion along with the likes of Sanchez Watt and Gilles Sunu.

A tough encounter for Wenger's men but after the Burnley draw the Gunners will be eager to make amends by defeating Hull City.