Davies absence means Hull to finally get a pasting at Arsenal

When it comes to backing a correct score, there are not too many occasions where a probable result sticks out more than Arsenal beating Hull 2-0 at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s odds are 24/5 to beat Hull 2-0, with the Tigers losing in this manner at Manchester City and Chelsea already this season. Meanwhile, this has been the outcome in each of Arsenal’s last three home victories in all competitions.

However, the one big difference here is that Hull will be without captain Curtis Davies, who has also been their most influential defender this season.

Davies only put one foot wrong in Hull’s latest Premier League triumph over Liverpool, collecting his fifth yellow card of the campaign, meaning he is banned for this clash at the Emirates.

Aside from that, he won every headed duel, made every clearance expected of him and made more interceptions than fellow central defenders Alex Bruce and Maynor Figueroa.

Steve Bruce may at least take solace in the fact that James Chester is fit to face Arsenal, but given that he has not played since September, his lack of match practice is a concern.

Arsenal won 4-1, 5-1 and 6-1 at home against the three newly-promoted Premier League clubs last season, with Hull the first of the new brigade to travel to the Emirates this time.

Therefore, the 9/5 on offer for Arsenal giving up a two-goal handicap and still beating Hull is a price that warrants attention, especially taking into account Davies’ absence.

Furthermore, Arsenal have the best second-half record in the Premier League and their last eight top-flight fixtures have seen no more than one first-half goal scored.

It is 11/8 that the Gunners score a minimum of two second-half goals against Hull, with form man Aaron Ramsey 5/4 to find the target at any time in the 90 minutes.