Hull City boss Steve Bruce is not prepared to take any late risks when he names his side to face Arsenal tomorrow, insisting the FA Cup final is no place for passengers.
Bruce has fitness doubts hanging over a number of first-team stars as the Tigers head to the capital this afternoon, including Robbie Brady, James Chester, Sone Aluko and Paul McShane.
All four of those players are expected to be part of City's travelling party, but it appears increasingly likely the best they can target is a place on the City bench.
"I will not risk anyone, I can't. We've got to be right across the side," said Bruce.
"The players I select to start have to be 100 per cent. I can't have anyone undercooked with everything that's at stake.
"It's the FA Cup final against Arsenal, we can't risk players who aren't quite right.
"It looks like it will be a hot day on a big Wembley pitch so you'll soon get found out if you're not 100 per cent."
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor's full recovery from kidney damage ensures Bruce has one less thing to worry about on the eve of the FA Cup final, but the hopes of Brady, Chester, Aluko and McShane being included in City's starting XI are receding.
Bruce is expected to name his Wembley side at a squad meeting today.
Switches between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 over recent weeks ensure it remains unclear which shape the City boss will favour, but the emphasis will be on frustrating Arsenal.
"We have to come up with a game plan to stay with them to start with," said Bruce.
"We've got to make it difficult for them. There's no disputing the fact they've got better players than us. They're the mighty Arsenal.
"So we've got to come up with something which can unhinge them, and the longer we stay in it the better.
"If the scores are level with an hour played then the game is in the balance.
"We have to make sure we're still in with a shout of winning the game."
City's last meeting with Arsenal, losing 3-0 at the KC Stadium four weeks ago, is fresh in Bruce's mind as he prepares for the biggest game of his managerial career.
Although the Tigers pressed their opponents high up the pitch, initially to good effect, their adventure was ultimately their undoing when chances were not taken.
Bruce says he has learned lessons from that encounter and added: "For 35 minutes, until they scored, we matched them.
"We had three or four good chances before Arsenal scored and we didn't take them.
"That's the big thing I've learned from going up against the big teams in the Premier League.
"You've got to take a chance when you're on top.
"If you miss them, you can't be sure many more will come along, especially against a team like Arsenal. The top teams take their chances and that's why facing them is unforgiving."
• HULL City and Arsenal fans are being asked to join together for a minute's applause as a mark of respect to the victims of the Bradford fire in tomorrow's FA Cup final. Last weekend marked the 29th anniversary and supporters are asked to pay tribute in the 56th minute, the number of lives lost at Valley Parade.
FA CUP FINAL COVERAGE FROM THE HULL DAILY MAILTODAY• 28-page preview pull-out, free with the Mail, including: Alex Bruce on taking inspiration from Wigan's FA Cup final hero Ben Watson; Curtis Davies on fulfilling a childhood dream; Steve Bruce on why Arsene Wenger is up there with Sir Alex Ferguson; Assem and Ehab Allam on cherishing an historic Wembley occasion.• The latest team news and previews online.ON SATURDAY• Build-up throughout the day from our reporters at Wembley.• Interactive coverage of the match and comprehensive full-time reports and reaction.• Hundreds of pictures, including fans inside and outside the ground and all the match action.ON SUNDAY• Match analysis.• Fans' reaction.ON MONDAY• 16-page souvenir supplement: Relive the big day with the best pictures, reports and reaction.
