Hull City Coach Ready for Tough Match Against Arsenal

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović knows Arsenal are the favorites for their Premier League match on Saturday. But he believes his team is ready to make it challenging for the hosts.

Jakirović spoke before Hull's journey to the Emirates Stadium, where they will play their 200th Premier League match before the international break in November.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are at the top of the Premier League. They have won eight out of their first nine matches, including their last four against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Liverpool.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Jakirović recognized Arsenal's strength but showed trust in his team's preparation. "They are playing very good football, no matter what competition. Whether it is Champions League or Premier League, they are very strong and control everything."

He continued, "We have prepared something, but obviously they are big favorites, and we will try and make it difficult for them. I have watched a lot of games of Arsenal to try and find something, but they are brilliant. They are a very strong team no matter who will play."

This match is also special for Hull defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy. He will return to the club where he spent 10 years of his early football career.

Norton-Cuffy joined Arsenal at 10 and left at 20 after moving up through their youth system and gaining experience on loan.

Looking back on his time at Arsenal, Norton-Cuffy said he remembers it fondly but sees Saturday's game as just another match. "I look back on my time at Arsenal with fond memories. I was at Arsenal since I was 10. I left at the age of 20 and had a few loan spells, so I learnt a lot. I went from a boy to a man there."

He added, "I know a few familiar faces, but that is football. You always see a lot of familiar faces so for me, it is just another game. They won the league last year and are the best team in the league at the moment now, so it will be a difficult game. They will have a lot of the ball and cause us problems."

Norton-Cuffy also talked about the difference between playing in Italy’s Serie A and the Premier League. He pointed out the speed and intensity of the English league.

"Tempo and pace. The intensity of the games in the Prem are just so much quicker. Serie A, you had a lot more time on the ball. It is a bit more tactical with the shape side of things."

He explained, "They emphasise that a bit more while here, you don’t have a chance to take three or four touches, because you have someone sprinting at you, so I would probably say the intensity."

Arsenal head into this match after a strong start in both the league and Europe. They have also beaten Napoli, Lille, and Slavia Prague in the Champions League, along with a draw against Bayern Munich.

But they lost on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The Gunners also won the Community Shield, beating Manchester City 3-0.

On the other hand, Hull might miss Japanese international Hidemasa Morita. He is getting another scan for a recurring groin issue.

Jakirović mentioned that Morita could be out for the London trip. He explained, "Morita will do one more scan as there is a groin abductor problem. It is the same leg as last time, but a little higher so we will see. Maybe he will be out for this game, but it is normal. I expected these problems as he was not in pre-season with us."

The Hull manager did not report any other new injury issues. He updated on Charlie Hughes, Ilyas Ansah, and Lucas Gourna-Douath. He said Hughes returned to group training and should play for 45 minutes against Fleetwood’s Under-21 side. Ansah is doing individual training and may join group sessions in four weeks.

Jakirović also shared his pride in Hull reaching 200 Premier League matches. He called it a significant achievement for the club and its fans. "Very proud for the whole club. It’s not a small number, 200 appearances and we know how difficult it can be in the Premier League and stay in the Premier League, so it is very nice for us and for Hull City supporters."