Arsenal host Hull City on Saturday, 7 November, in the 10th round of Premier League fixtures. Mikel Arteta's side will be looking for a fifth successive win and to strengthen their position at the top before the international break.
Arsenal overtook Manchester City to move top of the table last week. In recent league fixtures, they have beaten Leeds, Everton and Liverpool, underlining their status as one of the leading title contenders.
Hull City have also made a surprisingly good start to the season. Sergej Jakirovic's side, widely considered among the relegation candidates, are in mid-table and have lost only twice in nine matches.
Hull strengthened their squad significantly in the summer, and that investment is already paying off. They have taken points from Manchester United and Chelsea, so Arsenal should not underestimate the visitors.
Head-to-head record and statistics
The teams have not met for almost ten years. One of their most memorable encounters was the 2013/14 FA Cup final, when Hull led 2-0 by the eighth minute, only for Arsenal to recover and win 3-2 thanks to Aaron Ramsey's extra-time goal.
Arsenal have the better head-to-head record, having lost only one of their last 18 matches against Hull. That sole defeat came in 2008.
Arsenal have won 12 of their last 14 meetings with Hull, scoring at least twice in each victory.
Arsenal's defence has been particularly impressive this season. Arteta's side have kept six clean sheets in nine Premier League matches.
In their most recent match against Liverpool, Arsenal did not allow their opponents a single shot on target at Anfield. That had never previously been recorded in a Premier League match at the stadium.
Arsenal have also won 13 of their last 14 league matches. Their only defeat in that period came against Brighton before the previous international break.
Hull's attacking numbers are less impressive. The visitors have scored 11 goals, but rank second-bottom in the league for expected goals (9.1 xG) and third-bottom for clear-cut chances created (15).
Hull last scored at the Emirates in 2014.
Team news
Arsenal have had minor concerns over Ezri Konsa, who was substituted in the second half of their Champions League win over Slavia Prague because of a health issue.
However, Arteta indicated at his press conference that Konsa would probably be fit to face Hull. That would give William Saliba extra time to recover.
Bukayo Saka will definitely miss the match as he continues to recover from the thigh injury he sustained last month.
Max Dowman will also be absent. The youngster is suspended after receiving a straight red card for a serious foul in an EFL Cup match.
Arteta could recall Christos Tzolis, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard, none of whom started against Slavia.
Noni Madueke is expected to feature on the right of the attack. Bruno Guimaraes, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are also expected to return to the starting line-up.
Hull have selection problems of their own. Midfielder Matt Crooks will miss the match through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Ipswich.
Five players are unavailable through injury: Ilyas Ansah, Hidemasa Morita, Matt Targett, Charlie Hughes and Eliot Matazo.
Jakirovic could retain the side that drew with Ipswich. Oli McBurnie will be the visitors' main attacking hope after recording two goals and an assist in his last two matches.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.
Hull City (5-4-1): Tzolakis; Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Giles; Belloumi, Iroegbunam, Slater, Stroud; McBurnie.
Match prediction
Arsenal go into the match as clear favourites. Arteta's side have dealt confidently with opponents from the bottom half of the table, and their reliable defence makes the visitors' task particularly difficult.
Hull have already shown they can take points from strong clubs. However, Jakirovic's side will face a much tougher task against the league leaders, who allow opponents very few dangerous chances.
The hosts should control the game and create enough chances to win. If needed, Arsenal can make use of their advantage at set pieces.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Hull City.
When and where is the match?
The match takes place on Saturday, 7 November, at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Kick-off is at 18:00 Moscow time (15:00 GMT).
Farai Hallam has been appointed as referee, with Michael Oliver on VAR.
