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Arsenal play hosts this Sunday afternoon to Championship table toppers, Middlesbrough, as they look to book their place in the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
The holders will be aware a win won’t come easy, after Boro’ knocked out current Premier League holders Manchester City in the 4th round with a 2-0 victory at the Etihad.
Here’s my prediction of how the game will unfold at the Emirates this weekend.
Key Men
Arsenal – Danny Welbeck
Welbz will be more than keen to get back into the picture when starting on Sunday, as he looks to pick up his second start since returning from a 4-week injury spell. Against Tottenham he seemed to be off the ball on his first touch but made up some good ground and looked up for a fight throughout the game. This time I feel he may get a chance to play as our solo striker, which will push him to get back in amongst the goals and show Wenger he is viable competition to Olivier Giroud.
Middlesbrough – Grant Leadbitter
Currently the clubs top goalscorer and provider of assists, this is a man who won’t stop producing on the field. The 29 year old has a wealth of experience and has spent this year playing higher up the pitch in an attacking midfielder role. The thing Arsenal players must be aware of is his ability to shoot from anywhere, he isn’t scared to take on the edge of the area stuff so our defence can’t afford to back away from him.
Likely Approach
Knowing the serious nature Wenger takes in these cup games, the side will be made up of a mix of experience and players that deserve a chance. In-form Mesut Ozil will be a likely stand out name in the starting eleven, but there may be a debut chance for new signing Gabriel. With the likely absence of Alexis, Danny Welbeck will get a call-up into the picture and can be the versatile hard-worker Arsenal have been lacking in recent fixtures.
The plan against Tottenham and Leicester was to start strong and then sit back but that is something Arsenal can’t afford to risk again. This is a game where dominating possession will wear out the Championship side and eventually bully them off the ball. Our main outlet will be Walcott on the wing against a strong left back in Adam Reach, so expect darting runs from the man who has three goals in three appearances now.
A lot has changed since our last FA Cup game against Brighton, and I expect to see Chuba Akpom get some more game time at around 60 minutes into the game. Wojech Szczesny will be the man between the sticks, and will want to show Wenger he has learnt his lesson.
Prediction:Â Arsenal 2-1 Middlesbrough
Realistically, the competition is ours to lose now with the exits of both Chelsea and Manchester City in the previous round, and Wenger will be rubbing his hands at the thought of retaining the trophy. Big names will be out on that pitch, but Middlesbrough will be unfazed by the drama or atmosphere on the day.
It will all come down to how we start the game, and that must be on the offensive to control most of the play throughout the match. It will be tight, and I expect there to be a scare when Middlesbrough score but ultimately Arsenal will have too much for the Boro’ to produce yet another giant killing.
Check out in-depth analysis on Middlesbrough’s three most dangerous players!