The Gunners were in wonderful form in midweek, thrashing Porto 5-0 to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

A repeat of that showing is likely to prove too much for a Hull side who are in the bottom three and in the middle of a dreadful run of form which has seen them win just one of their last 15 games in all competitions.

The Tigers, however, can take encouragement from Arsenal's injury list which is likely to include captain Cesc Fabregas for Saturday evening's encounter.

Boss Arsene Wenger said today: "His chances of playing are 0.5% - that means unless a miracle happens, he will not play. At the moment, Cesc is out of Saturday's game.

"We have a little doubt about [Tomas] Rosicky (groin), but we will check that tomorrow morning.

"Nobody else is back, but we will lose [Alex] Song, because he is suspended."

With William Gallas still sidelined because of a calf problem, Wenger will be hoping veteran Sol Campbell can shrug off cramp.

However, full-back Bacary Sagna is struggling with an ankle injury.

"Campbell looks better than expected today. Sagna has an ankle problem but we will assess that tomorrow," said Wenger.

"We will see how it develops, who is available, who I can play."

Arsenal go into the weekend two points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United, who were also in sparkling form last night in brushing aside AC Milan 4-0 at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney was again the United star with another two goals to take his tally to 30 for the season and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping the England striker can overcome a nagging knee injury to play against Fulham on Sunday.

In between United and Arsenal in the table lie Chelsea. The Blues are two points behind the leaders but do have a game in hand. On Saturday they play host to London rivals West Ham.

The battle for fourth spot - and a place in next season's Champions League - also continues this weekend.

Current incumbents Tottenham meet Blackburn at White Hart Lane, fifth-placed Manchester City go to a Sunderland side boosted by their midweek thrashing of Bolton while Liverpool have to wait until Monday for their home clash against financially-stricken Portsmouth.

Aston Villa are seventh but with at least one game in hand on all their rivals. They face a tricky trip to Stoke.

Europa League hopefuls Birmingham and Everton meet at St Andrew's while there are a couple of intriguing battles down the bottom with Bolton hosting a Wigan side who beat Liverpool on Monday night and Burnley meeting Wolves at Turf Moor.