The FA Cup defence begins for Arsenal at home to a North East Premier League club, as it did 12 months ago.
That was a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hull City in a repeat of the 2014 final.
This weekend sees Sam Allardyce and Sunderland visit Emirates Stadium a month on from the Premier League version, which saw Arsenal claim three points in a 3-1 win.
The Gunners will be hoping to bag a third consecutive win of the famous competition, although aspirations exceed beyond the FA Cup this season which hasn’t been the case in the previous two years.
Much greater importance for potential honours is a first league title in 12 years. With that in mind, many first team regulars will be rested due to the stretched resources the squad has been utilised under.
Could this be the team chosen for Saturday?
