Arsenal host Hull City in the fifth round of the FA Cup Saturday, with Gunners fans confident their team can progress in a competition they have dominated in recent years.

With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Barcelona, however, Wenger will want to rest key players and will need to make use of the full breadth of his squad for the game.

Last weekend’s goal hero Danny Welbeck could make his first start since April last year. According to the Official Arsenal Website, Wenger said “I might start him (Welbeck). I haven’t completely decided yet. It crosses my mind to start him.”

In defence, Gabriel Paulista is out (he’s currently receiving treatment in Brazil for a muscular injury) while Koscielny, who came off at half-time against Leicester last Sunday, looks set to be passed fit but may still be rested in preparation for the Barcelona game.

A back four of Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker and Nacho Monreal is therefore a possibility, with Ospina certain to start in goal.

It’s less clear what the boss has planned in the middle of the park. Wilshere, Cazorla and Rosicky are all still out injured, and Wenger will likely want to keep Ozil, Giroud and Ramsey fresh for Tuesday. Therefore, Coquelin, Oxlade Chamberlain and Joel Campbell may all feature with big game players Alexis and Walcott benched and brought on if required.

Wenger also indicated that Egypt international Mohamed Elneny will play against Hull and may even start the game.

Hull are familiar Cup opponents for Arsenal having faced the Gunners in the 2014 final, as well as last year’s third round.

Wenger, already the most successful manager in the history of the competition with six titles, is looking to win Arsenal’s third FA Cup in a row, a feat last achieved by Blackburn Rovers way back in 1886! And having won nine of their last 10 matches with Hull in all competitions, he will be confident of extending that record.

Nevertheless, no one should underestimate a Hull team who are currently top of the Championship and have conceded just two goals in their last eight games, in all competitions.

Wenger confirmed this saying “I will, as always, play a team who has a good chance to qualify. The normal squad is involved on Saturday. It is a normal squad and we’ll play a usual strong team.”

Given his recent loan signing from Manchester United, Nick Powell could well make his debut for Hull. But on-loan Arsenal duo Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden will be ineligible to play against their parent club.

Possible starting line up: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Elneny, Coquelin, Campbell, Oxlade Chamberlain, Walcot, Welbeck.