Good afternoon! The FA Cup is well and truly in full swing now, and we have a treat for you today as Arsenal host Hull City in a repeat of last season's thrilling final. This time the meeting comes in the third round, with both sides looking to get over this first hurdle as they look to replicate last year's success. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

There were rumours that failure to win in last season's FA Cup final would spell the end of Arsene Wenger's long association with Arsenal, although the Frenchman continues to deny that he would decide his fate on one match in particular. As it was, they finally ended their nine-year trophy drought, but that didn't silence the critics for too long, and they have been back out in force this season.

The Gunners were once again hopeful of launching a title bid in the Premier League, but that dream slipped out of reach very quickly as Chelsea and Manchester City set a faster pace than Arsenal could handle. The top four is now once again their priority this season, although they have plenty of work to do to ensure that they qualify for the Champions League again in 2015-16.

Arsene Wenger's side slipped three points behind fourth-placed Southampton courtesy of defeat to the Saints last time out, a match that saw a fan run to the dugout and confront the Frenchman. Considering he has already been verbally abused in a train station by supporters, as well as seeing banners in the crowd asking him to leave the club, it is clear that the fans remain unhappy with Wenger despite their FA Cup triumph last term. This competition could provide some much-needed respite for him, although an early exit would crank up the pressure once again.

It is a competition that Arsene Wenger has a phenomenal record in, however, so he will be confident of another good run this season. Last year's triumph was the fifth time the Gunners had won the trophy under the Frenchman, while overall the club have been to 18 finals and won 11 of them - both joint records with Manchester United. Simply put, no club in English football history has a better pedigree in the FA Cup than Arsenal.

They had to do things the hard way en route to their success last season, though. They were handed a tricky North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at this stage exactly a year ago, but emerged with a 2-0 victory to send them on their way. The likes of Liverpool and Everton were also dispatched in a very tough run to Wembley, before they recovered from a dreadful start to beat Hull in the final. No-one could claim that they weren't worthy winners in the end.

They won all six of their FA Cup matches that season, not needing a replay in any round. They were given a scare by Wigan in the semis, but Wenger's side came out on top on penalties to deny the Latics another Wembley appearance. They have won nine of their last 10 home games in the FA Cup, with the only exception being a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the 2012-13 campaign.

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They do, however, come into this match having lost to Southampton last time out, with Szczesny at fault for both of the Saints' goals in a 2-0 defeat. That ended a five-game unbeaten streak that included four wins, but even though the results have generally been good of late, the performances have left a lot to be desired. They will need to be on top of their games again today to prevent Hull from gaining momentum.

The Tigers will go into the match with a certain degree of that, though, having picked up a vital victory on New Year's Day to start 2015 in style. Steve Bruce's side cruised to a 2-0 home win over Everton, putting aside a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in their previous match.

That result lifted Hull two points clear of the relegation zone, but a repeat performance of their season so far in the second half of the campaign will ensure that they will be embroiled in a relegation battle come May. The Tigers have not been good enough recently, going on a 10-match winless streak before their recent 3-1 away victory over Sunderland. There are signs of improvement, though, with two wins in their last three outings.

They certainly have the sort of record that suggests they may be able to avoid a place in the relegation zone, although the teams around them are also beginning to improve. Hull boast the best defensive record in the bottom eight of the table having conceded only one more goal than Arsenal so far. Their tally of 20 goals for in 20 games is by no means daunting for opposition teams, but only QPR have managed more in the bottom seven.

One concern for Steve Bruce will be his side's away form, especially coming to a ground like the Emirates today. The Tigers beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in their last game on the road, but that was their first away victory since the opening day of the season. They had drawn four and lost six in all competitions before that.

This particular competition brought out the best in them last season, however. It is fair to say that Hull had an easier trip to Wembley than Arsenal did, but once they reached the final they gave it a really good go and were unfortunate to lose in the end. Aaron Ramsey's extra-time winner was a huge blow to the club, and most neutrals watching, as the underdogs let their two-goal lead slip. They also had a shot cleared off the line at 2-0, so it could have all been very different.

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They didn't face a match this tough until the showpiece last time around, however. Middlesbrough were their opponents at this stage last season, and they dispatched of the Championship side 2-0. Southend were also beaten by the same scoreline, before Brighton eventually fell after a replay at the KC Stadium. Their first Premier League opposition came in the quarters as they cruised past Sunderland before beating Sheffield United 5-3 in a thrilling semi to reach the final.

They have indeed only lost one of their last 10 FA Cup matches inside the 90 minutes, but their pedigree in the competition makes grim reading compared to that of Arsenal. Last season's final was the further that the Tigers have ever made it in the FA Cup, with their previous best showing coming all the way back in 1930, when they reached the last four.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news is that Theo Walcott starts his first match for Arsenal in exactly a year. The winger was stretchered off during the win over Tottenham at this stage last season, famously miming the 2-0 scoreline to the away fans at the Emirates. He is one of a number of changes for Wenger, with the likes of Ospina and Campbell also coming into the side. Hull, meanwhile, have made no fewer than 10 changes to the side that beat Everton, with Curtis Davies the only man to keep his place.

ARSENAL STARTING XI: Ospina; Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal; Coquelin, Rosicky, Cazorla; Walcott, Campbell, Sanchez

ARSENAL SUBS: Martinez, Debuchy, Koscielny, Zelalem, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Maitland-Niles, Akpom

HULL STARTING XI: Harper; Figueroa, Maguire, Davies, McShane; Ince, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady; Aluko, Sagbo

HULL SUBS: McGregor, Bruce, Meyler, Hernandez, Livermore, Dawson, Elmohamady

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, it is no surprises to see changes to both, as is the nature of FA Cup football nowadays. There is a switch in goal for the Gunners as Ospina comes in for Szczesny. That was always a likely move to happen, but Szczesny's mistakes against Southampton certainly wouldn't have helped his cause. Ospina could now see this match as a good chance to put down a marker and perhaps stake a claim for a regular spot.

Hector Bellerin comes in at right-back having impressed during his limited appearances so far this season, while Chambers drops back into defence having showed his versatility in a midfield role against Southampton. Mertesacker is the only one of the back five to keep his place and role in the side, with Nacho Monreal replacing Kieran Gibbs on the left.

Coquelin continues his own decent run of starts for the club, filling in in midfield once again due to the continued absence of Flamini, amongst others. He is joined by Rosicky and Cazorla, who are expected to operate a little deeper than they did at Southampton. Both have been in decent form recently, and Hull will not have forgotten Cazorla's danger from set pieces having got the Gunners back into last-year's final with a fabulous free kick.

The big name on the teamsheet is Walcott, however. He finally makes his return to the starting lineup, a year to the day since his last start for the club. If he can stay fit then it will be a big boost for the club, as he provides the sort of pace that few players in the league can cope with. Joel Campbell is another who can torment defences when on song, although he hasn't shown that often enough in an Arsenal shirt yet. One player who has shone for the Gunners, though, is Sanchez, and the Chilean gets another start today with Giroud suspended and Welbeck injured.

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As for Hull, they were expected to make changes following a tiring display against Everton, but for Bruce to bring in 10 new faces is something of a surprise. The vastly experienced Harper comes in between the sticks for McGregor, while Curtis Davies is the only player to retain his place. He is joined at the back by Figueroa, who was recently recalled from loan, McShane and Maguire.

There is an interesting mix in midfield, with Huddlestone and Quinn being restored straight back to the starting lineup having both returned from suspension for this game. Ince gets a rare start and will be looking to prove himself again, while Brady possess superb ability when on top form, particularly from dead-ball situations. The Tigers certainly have enough creativity in there to cause this Arsenal defence problems.

If that midfield does manage to create chances then it will be up to the likes of Aluko and Sagbo to put them in. They come in for Hernandez and Jelavic, the latter of whom is not even on the bench having scored against Everton last time out. Arsenal's defence has looked very shaky at times this season, particularly when Koscielny has been absent, so those two will look to cause problems at the back for the hosts today.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Emirates, which means that it is time for a prediction! Last season's final between these two was a cracking game, while the Premier League meeting in October was also full of drama. Hull are expected to have a go, but Arsenal know how to progress in this competition and their home advantage will help them. It won't be a walk in the park for the hosts, but I'm going for a 3-1 victory.

I mentioned the Premier League meeting between these two sides there, and once again it ended in heartbreak for Hull. They appeared to be heading for a famous victory at the Emirates after Diame and Hernandez had cancelled out Sanchez's opening in October. However, Danny Welbeck popped up with a 91st-minute winner to rescue a point for his side. It is worth noting, though, that of those goalscorers, only Sanchez starts today.

In case you missed the action earlier today, a number of teams have already done what Arsenal and Hull are trying to achieve here and reached the fourth round of the FA Cup. Crystal Palace thrashed Dover, while they were joined in the next round by fellow Premier League sides Sunderland, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Stoke. However, QPR fell to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Sheffield United, while Southampton were held by Ipswich Town.

Manchester United have just booked their place in the fourth round too, avoiding an upset at Huish Park to run out 2-0 winners against Yeovil Town. There is one other match still taking place, with Chelsea leading Watford courtesy of a Willian strike, and I will keep you updated with major events at Stamford Bridge as and when they happen.

The main focus will very much be on this game at the Emirates, however. The two teams are just emerging from the tunnel now, and hopefully they can provide a feast of football similar to their last two meetings.

KICKOFF: Hull get us underway here at the Emirates for a mouth-watering cup tie. Can they make a quick start as they did at Wembley in May?

Arsenal have seen more of the ball in these opening exchanges, as was expected. Plenty of eyes will be on Walcott and how he copes here. He has had a couple of touches already which will be good for the winger.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Arsenal to break the deadlock! Campbell picks the ball up on the left and drifts inside before giving the ball to Sanchez. The Chilean slides a fine through-ball back to the youngster but, with only Harper to beat, he can't get it past the keeper. It was a good save from Harper, but Campbell could have done more to score.

UPDATE: Down in West London, Chelsea are all but in the fourth round having scored twice in quick succession against Watford. Zouma and Remy got the goals to put Jose Mourinho's men 3-0 up.

Good spell of possession for Hull as they begin to settle into the match. They have already survived one scare, but have kept the ball for a long time here to silence the crowd and begin to frustrate Arsenal.

Alert play from Quinn as he pounces on a short pass from Bellerin, nicking the ball away from Coquelin. The Arsenal midfielder slides in and brings down the Hull man, and he is fortunate to get away without a booking.

Almost a lovely piece of play from Coquelin as, with little sign of danger, he clips a pass over the top for the diagonal run of Walcott. There is just too much on the ball, but it was a good idea from the Arsenal man, and good run from Walcott too.

CHANCE! Superb play from Sanchez as he wins the ball in midfield before getting back on his feet and joining the counter. Walcott slips it through to the Chilean but, just as he looks like he will place it in the far corner, Maguire comes in with a magnificent block. The ball falls back to Sanchez, but his attempted chip lands on the roof of the net.

CLOSE! Hull come forward at the other end, and it is the first signs of Ince's skill on the right. He cuts inside and bursts in between two defenders into the box. He fires a low strike towards the near bottom corner, but it ends up a yard or so wide of the post.

Hull will be fairly content with how they have performed in this match so far. Arsenal started on top and probably should be ahead after that early chance, but Hull have settled well and look capable of causing problems themselves.

Hull win a corner and, although the initial delivery comes to nothing, they manage to recycle the ball out to Maguire. The big defender stands a good cross into the middle, but McShane can't get sufficient power on his header to trouble the keeper.

Arsenal break the deadlock, and it is the stand-in skipper Mertesacker who gets the goal. The ball is swung in from a corner and Mertesacker rises above Davies to plant a downward header home from close range.

CHANCE! Oh my word, it looks for all the world like Arsenal are about to make it 2-0, but McShane makes an magnificent block. It was lovely football from the hosts as Rosicky slid the ball through for Sanchez, who rounded the keeper before sliding it towards the empty net. However, McShane threw himself in the way to somehow put it behind for a corner. Sensational defending.

SAVE! From the resulting corner, Arsenal almost double their advantage again! The delivery arrives in the middle and it comes off Sagbo, drawing a fine reaction stop from Harper. It is all happening here!

How big could that McShane block prove to be. Arsenal smelt blood following that first goal and it would have been almost game over had they grabbed a second in quick succession, but it was such a good block that it could give Hull a boost now.

CHANCE! Another chance for the hosts as Cazorla chips a sumptuous pass over for Walcott, who takes it down brilliantly inside the box. The winger tries to open his body a la Thierry Henry, but his effort is straight at Harper.

Hull are having to weather the storm here as Arsenal continue to dominate after that opening goal. How they are not more than a goal up, they will not know, but they are asking some serious questions of the Hull defence right now.

SAVE! Better from Hull, who are trying to work their way back into the match having enjoyed a good spell before that Arsenal goal. Brady whips a dangerous cross into the middle that Monreal is forced to clear behind for a corner. The delivery is met by Maguire, whose downward header creeps through a crowd of bodies and almost sneaks in before Ospina drops on it to make the save.

Hull have done well to stop that surge of Arsenal momentum now, settling back into the match and keeping the ball from the hosts for a decent amount of time. They have only really threatened once in the final third, though, and need to ask more questions of Arsenal.

Fine work from Sanchez down the right as he skips beyond his full-back and into a good position. However, he can't provide the end product as Hull survive another test from the Chilean.

There are 10 minutes left of the first half here, and it has certainly not disappointed so far. These two sides seem to have an uncanny knack of providing plenty of entertainment, and that has been the case again today. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Walcott and Campbell have switched wings ion the last few moments, and the former looks to create something on the left here. He cuts inside before letting fly from distance, but his effort is well blocked.

More brave defensive work from the visitors as Arsenal again come forward. This time it is Campbell who tries to bend a first-time effort into the corner from 20 yards, but Maguire sticks his head in the way to concede a corner.

Arsenal have managed to cut through Hull a couple of times, but on the whole the visitors have defended well as a unit in this match. It is at the other end that the problems lie, with Sagbo unable to hold the ball up well enough to bring others into play.

Hull have dealt with Walcott well so far, with the winger unable to cause many problems with his pace so far. It has been a fairly low-key return for him so far.

YELLOW CARD! McShane becomes the first name in the book today as he connects with Monreal when looking to clear the ball. I don't think there was anything malicious there, but he can have no complaints with the caution.

The referee brings an end to the first half, and what an opening 45 minutes it was. It is Arsenal who go into the break leading, and it is a deserved advantage for the Gunners having created the better chances throughout the half. However, Hull have held their own in two thirds of the field, but are have been unable to really trouble Arsenal up front.

The only goal of that first half came from Per Mertesacker, who got the better of Curtis Davies from a corner to nod past the keeper from close range. Davies could have perhaps done more defensively, but Mertesacker was always favourite to win the ball and tucked his header away nicely.

The Gunners may be wondering quite how the gap is only one goal at the break having created a number of good chances. Paul McShane produced a stunning piece of defending to deny Sanchez just minutes after the opening goal, sliding in to put the ball behind for a corner when it looked destined for the net. Sanchez had latched on to a fine through-ball and rounded the keeper before sliding it towards the empty net, but McShane made a brilliant block.

Walcott also had a clear chance to double his side's lead shortly afterwards having got on to a chipped through ball from Cazorla, but the winger could only plant his effort straight at the keeper. Walcott has had a rather low-key return from injury so far, and it will be interesting to see how long he lasts in what is his first start for a year.

Harper was also called into action to make a couple of good stops in the first half, one of which came very early on when Campbell and Sanchez combined with a one-two. The latter probably should have scored, but Harper reacted well to make a save with his foot. He used his feet again to prevent an own goal shortly after the opener, and has had to be very alert all match.

Hull's best chance came through some bright play from Ince on the right wing as he cut inside and flashed an effort narrowly wide of the near post. Other than that, though, Hull have offered very little in the final third.

KICKOFF: The hosts get us back underway for the second half as they look to complete their passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

SAVE! Almost an early second for Arsenal. Ince gives the ball away carelessly and the hosts immediately break forward. Sanchez picks it up and drifts into space to shoot, but his low effort is saved by Harper.

Perhaps the worst thing for Arsenal fans to see is Sanchez going down with an injury. He appears to be hurt here as Quinn makes a tackle and the Chilean accidentally kicks him when going for the ball. He should be fine to continue, though.

Very important challenge from Figueroa! Rosicky picks the ball up on the left flank and travels a long way with it. He tries to knock it past Figueroa to give himself space to shoot inside the box, but the Hull full-back makes a good, solid challenge.

Hull have knocked the ball about nicely at times today, but Aluko and Sagbo have not been able to keep hold of it when it has arrived in the final third. They simply need to do better in that respect.

Having got very little joy in that final third, Brady tries an effort from range, but it is one he will not want to remember. He fires his 30-yard shot a long, long way off target.

Another good spell of possession for the visitors, but it is still all coming in front of Arsenal's defence. Any time they do try to play it forward, the Gunners are quick to close down and win it back almost immediately.

Poor from Aluko once again. He picks the ball up in lots of space around 40 yards from goal, but still doesn't turn and face the Arsenal defence, instead dropping it backwards once again. He has not looked to get in behind or run at the defence at all today.

Arsenal have not exactly been firing on all cylinders in this second half. They are struggling to keep the ball right now, and it is Hull who are on top despite their lack of threat in the final third.

CHANCE! Arsenal almost get something out of nothing as a Sanchez passes intended for Cazorla instead falls nicely for Campbell. However, the Costa Rican drags his effort well wide of the mark.

HULL SUB: The first change of the day comes from the visitors as Ahmed Elmohamady replaces the ineffective Aluko. That should give Hull more of a direct threat, with Ince going into the middle.

Hull are first to every ball at the moment and seem to want it more than the hosts, who are giving up in challenges and growing ever more frustrated. All the visitors need is more of a cutting edge and they will have a great chance of getting back into this match.

This Arsenal performance is almost unrecognisable to their display in the first half so far. Their passes just aren't finding their target and it looks like they are the away side, trying to hang on for the 1-0 win.

CHANCE! Just like that, though, they spring into action. Moments after Maguire makes a fine challenge on Sanchez, Cazorla slips a pass through to Walcott, who only has the keeper to beat. However, he attempts to dink the ball over the keeper and gets it all wrong, skewing it wide.

HULL SUB: Another change for the visitors, and this time it is Sagbo who makes way to be replaced by Abel Hernandez.

Better from Arsenal now as they knock the ball about in and around the Hull area. Sanchez slides a pass through for Walcott, but the winger is kept with his back to goal and eventually the attack breaks down.

Nervy moment for Mertesacker as a cross arrives in his box from the right that he slices when trying to clear. The ball loops up behind him but, luckily for the goalscorer, falls harmlessly into the arms of the keeper.

Arsenal look to add that crucial second goal, but Bellerin's effort is a long way off target. Moments later Coquelin plays a fine ball over for Walcott, who has again got in behind with his pace, but just can't collect the pass as it runs through for the keeper.

CHANCE! Big chance for the Gunners, but Sanchez mis-controls the ball at a crucial moment! He pounces on to a loose ball and drives into the area but, just as he was about to let fly, he appeared to stand on the ball with his left foot. He still manages to get a shot away, but the keeper makes a good stop.

YELLOW CARD! Sanchez goes into the book, but it is a harsh decision following a collision with Davies in midfield.

ARSENAL SUB: Walcott has lasted 76 minutes on his return from injury, which will please Wenger. He trots to be replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain here.

CHANCE! So nearly a second for Arsenal! Oxlade-Chamberlain weaves away from a couple of defenders in midfield before sliding a pass through to Sanchez. The Chilean gets past a man of his own before firing the ball across goal, but it is just behind Oxlade-Chamberlain and he can't turn it in from close range. At the other end, Hernandez lashes an ambitious effort off target from a tough angle, wasting a good position.

Still no second goal for Arsenal despite creating a number of good chances. Hull have been nowhere near as threatening in the final third but have held their own in other areas of the field. Now, with less than 10 minutes to go, they are still very much in the game.

Perhaps they're not in it anymore! Sanchez surely puts Arsenal into the fourth round with a smart finish as he collects a pass from Cazorla just inside the area, before spinning and curling a low effort into the bottom corner. He deserves that goal, it has been another special performance from the Chilean.

ARSENAL SUB: That is Sanchez's last action of the match as he makes way to be replaced by young Chuba Akpom.

YELLOW CARD! A caution for Davies, and he can have no complaints. Oxlade-Chamberlain won the ball on the right and powered past a couple of defenders, forcing Davies to trip him right on the edge of the box.

The initial free kick is easily dealt with, but it arrives back to Mertesacker. The German opts against unleashing a volley from 25 yards, despite the crowd urging him to, instead laying it off for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He is not one to turn down a shooting opportunity, but his effort is a long way off target.

YELLOW CARD! Coquelin launches himself into a challenge on Maguire, which draws an intake of breath from everyone inside the stadium. It looked worse than it was, however, and a yellow card suffices. Silly to do that at this stage of the game, though. He gave the referee a decision to make.

SAVE! Nothing comes of the free kick, but the ball eventually falls to Huddlestone, who gets a shot away quickly. His low strike is a rare one on target for Hull today, but it is a relatively simple one for Ospina.

CLOSE! Almost a stunning reply for Hull. Ince pounces on a loose ball and lets fly on the volley from 20 yards out, but the powerful strike whistles narrowly wide.

ARSENAL SUB: A late change for Arsenal as Ashley Maitland-Niles comes on for Campbell.

We are in to the second of three added minutes in this match as Hernandez glances a header wide of the near post. Ospina was never worried about that one, though.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has not been moving freely since that earlier challenge from Davies. He will see the game out, but that could be one to keep an eye on over the next few days for Wenger.

The holders progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup courtesy of what proved to be a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory over Hull in the end. The Tigers did well for long spells of the half, but most of their efforts were used in containing the hosts rather than hurting them. They offered very little in the final third, and can have few complaints despite a decent performance. Arsenal weren't at their best in the second half, but did enough to progress.

The opening goal came from Per Mertesacker as he nodded a corner in from close range having lost Curtis Davies inside the box. They had to wait a while for the second goal, but Sanchez eventually got it with a smart finish into the bottom corner having been found by Cazorla.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was an entertaining FA Cup tie in a repeat of the final from last season. It is the holders Arsenal who progress courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Hull at the Emirates. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, news and analysis. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!