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Vermaelen: Focus on the league

HULL v ARSENAL

(Tonight, 9.05pm, SingTel mio TV Ch 102 & StarHub TV Ch 227)

Captain Thomas Vermaelen maintains Arsenal must forget about next month's FA Cup final date with Hull as they look to get on with their "massive job" in the Engligh Premier League, which continues at the KC Stadium tonight (Singapore time).

The Gunners tackle Steve Bruce's side in what is a crucial match - moved back 24 hours to help Chelsea's Champions League semi-final preparations -in their quest to secure a top-four finish.

Their chances were boosted by Everton's unexpected 3-2 home defeat by Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Vermaelen (above) knows Arsenal must put any thoughts of a return to Wembley - where Arsene Wenger's men beat Wigan on penalties last week - out of their minds if they are to produce the required performances over the final four league outings to secure Champions League football.

"We will play Hull in the FA Cup final, but there is no point looking to that game yet," Vermaelen said.

"We have made it there which was our target, but we want to finish the job on May 17.

"We have a cup final to look forward to, but we have a massive job to do in the league before that, so let's forget about the FA Cup for a while and go from game to game in the Premier League.

"We have to look at ourselves, not worry about the other teams, and just try to win our games."

Arsenal could welcome back club-record signing Mesut Oezil from a hamstring injury which has sidelined the German playmaker since the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on March 11. - PA Sport.