Hull host Arsenal in Premier League as Bruce defends Wenger’s position

Arsenal are odds-on with Coral at 4/6 to beat Hull at the KC Stadium and Tigers boss Steve Bruce is shocked at the treatment opposite number Arsene Wenger has had from fans this season, with some calling for him to be axed.

“I find that quite astonishing. He has been a main problem, for us British coaches,” said Bruce.

“The introduction of [Arsene] Wenger was one of the first (overseas bosses) 18 years ago, he has been in the top four for the last 17 years, won three Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, they are in the final of the FA Cup again and still people question him.

“That’s how difficult the job is but I take a bit of heart from that. If he can get a bit of stick, maybe we are all due it because how you can question him is beyond me,” continued Bruce.

“His first team was big and physical, they were immense, then he had the team that went unbeaten for 49 games, it’s quite remarkable for what he has done.

“I have the utmost respect for Arsenal and [Arsene] Wenger even though they did beat us in the (FA) Cup final (last season). They do things in the right way, they play in the right way and he has been the demise of many British managers – for a time everyone thought ‘we will go and get the new [Arsene] Wenger’.”

The Gunners haven’t lost in the Premier League since a 2-1 defeat to rivals Spurs in early February, a run which has seen them position themselves to challenge for second place. Their last away encounter was a similar type of opposition in Burnley, as Aaron Ramsey secured a narrow, well fought victory.

Ramsey is 15/8 to score anytime, while Olivier Giroud, who has been exceptional for the Gunners in the last month, is 5/1 to break the deadlock. The reverse fixture earlier in the campaign ended 2-2 with Danny Welbeck equalising in the last minute to add to an Alexis Sanchez opener.

Both are 7/4 and 6/4 respectively in the anytime market, while Mohamed Diame and Abel Hernandez who netted for the Tigers, are 11/2 and 10/3 to follow suit.

Two consecutive wins has given Hull a huge boost in guaranteeing their Premier League status, and striker Dame Ndoye, who bagged a brace in 2-0 win over Crystal Palace is good value at 10/3 to score anytime. Michael Dawson who got the crucial goal which beat Liverpool last time out, meanwhile, is 33/1 to net first.