Steve Bruce inspired my Wenger ahead of Monday night clash

Steve Bruce knows his Hull City side's recent resurgence will be severely tested by the "remarkable" Arsene Wenger against Arsenal on Monday, Soccerway reports

Hull head into the KC Stadium clash on the back of two successive Premier League victories against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, wins that have provided a significant boost in the club's bid to avoid the drop.

But Hull's tricky run-in continues with the visit of Arsenal and Wenger, a manager who Bruce has a great deal of admiration for.

Despite such a successful and long spell at Arsenal, some fans continue to call for the Frenchman to be replaced and Bruce thinks such opinions are "astonishing".

"That's what I find that quite astonishing [that some fans want Wenger to leave]," said Bruce. 

"I think it's been a main problem for English coaches, the introduction of Arsene Wenger. Seventeen or 18 years is quite remarkable, he's had input in the stadium – what a stadium that is. 

"Top four for however long, three Premier Leagues [titles], FA Cups, the final again, but still people question him. 

"I take heart from that. If he gets stick, we can all handle it. How he can get stick is beyond me."

Hull's two triumphs had opened up a four-point gap between themselves and the bottom three in the Premier League, but wins for Sunderland and Leicester City on Saturday see Bruce's men perched just above the drop zone.

With matches against Tottenham and Manchester United still to come in their final three games after the Arsenal clash, Hull's run-in is tricky. 

At the other end of the table, Arsenal are still chasing the possibility of finishing second and head to Hull in fine form.

A 0-0 draw with Chelsea in their last outing extended Arsenal's unbeaten run to nine league matches. Wenger's team have not finished as high as second for 10 years, with the 2004-05 campaign being the last season in which they emerged as runners-up.

Arsenal will be buoyed by the fact they have few injuries to contend with, as Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring) appears to be the only player in danger of missing out, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) could be named among the substitutes.

By contrast, Bruce has a few more fitness problems to take into consideration, with Mohamed Diame (knee), Andrew Robertson (ankle), Nikica Jelavic (knee) and Curtis Davies (thigh) all doubts.

Wenger refuses to comment on Mourinho ahead of Arsenal v Chelsea clash

Arsene Wenger refused to be drawn on his frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues head to Emirates Stadium this weekend looking for a victory to take a step closer towards winning their first Premier League title since 2010.

It is not about the relationship between the managers

Arsene Wenger

Mourinho’s side are currently 10 points ahead of their north London rivals heading into Sunday’s showdown in north London.

Wenger and Mourinho clashed on the sidelines back in October when Chelsea beatArsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

However, the Frenchman refused to comment on his relationship with his Chelsea counterpart heading into Sunday’s clash.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference at Arsenal’s training ground on Thursday morning, Wenger said: “I do not want to talk about that.

“What is interesting for people is when the game starts at 4pm we have a great game. It is not about the relationship between the managers.”

Wenger’s side have drawn five and lost seven of his 12 previous encounters with Jose Mourinho’s sides.

But the 65-year-old Frenchman, whose side have won their last eight games in the league, insists that record will not come into play on Sunday.

Wenger continued: “I think we have not always lost in 12 attempts. We have been close.

“Having said that, the result on Sunday will just be down to the performance on the day. We are on a good run and we have an opportunity at home to beat them and we want to take it.

“We have a good run of form and good belief and solidarity. We have passed many tests recently when we were questioned. We have another test on Sunday that we want to pass.

“Chelsea’s strengths are they have been very efficient on counter attacks and set-pieces as well. We have to nullify their strengths.

Arsenal will 'exploit' second chance - Wenger

Arsenal are determined to “exploit” their second chance as they head to Monaco fighting to save their UEFA Champions League season.

Arsene Wenger takes his side to former club Monaco on Tuesday with a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their last-16 tie.

After being ripped apart on the counter at home, Wenger hopes to utilise all his nous and experience in big occasions to guide Arsenal into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

He said: “Monaco are in a very strong position but we have experience, and the desire and belief that we can do it. So we are here to do it. 

“We will have to play on full power, focusing on our offensive and defensive games. The desire is there.

“I am confident. The odds are stacked against us, but we will give absolutely everything to turn the tie around. We will show a different face. 

“In the first leg we failed, which was surprising given our form. We have a second chance and we will exploit it. 

“It is a special moment for me but experience allows me to manage the pressure. 

“We must have a great game, do our best and give our all. If we did not believe in ourselves we would not have turned up.”