Arsenal continue their defence of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Championship side Burnley to the Emirates, in the fourth round of this domestic competition.
The Gunners need to keep a cup run alive at the moment given their recent form, to restore some morale to both the players and the fans. This is because of the north London side having only picked up two points in their last three games, losing to their London rival Chelsea most recently. It was a game in which – much like the last time these two teams played at Stamford Bridge – Arsenal’s hard work and perseverance came undone as a result of a red card (this time coming from Per Mertesacker). An early Diego Costa goal left Arsenal empty-handed, with the likes of Theo Walcott and Mathieu Flamini spurning good chances to level the game. As a result, Arsenal now find themselves dropping to third in the league, three points from restored league leaders Leicester City. Whilst there is still plenty of the season to go, it has been another opportunity missed to put distance between the Gunners and their rivals – opportunities that Arsène Wenger’s men may end up regretting come May. Nonetheless, this weekend presents the opportunity for a) the second-string players to prove to the manager how they can do better than the currently out-of-form first XI players, and b) to provide a much-needed performance that will restore the faith in this side from the Emirates faithful.
The opposition go into this match fighting for a giant-killing. Having been relegated last season, Sean Dyche has reinforced his side to battle the second tier with the acquisition of £8m man (and Arsenal fan) Andre Gray, who has set the Championship alight with his goals, leading the charts with 17. He scored five days ago in Burnley’s 4-1 rout of Derby, in which they scored three in 12 minutes. It was a resounding win to keep them third in the table, and within reaching distance of an automatic promotion spot. It’s clear that Burnley are full of confidence going into this one, and previous giant-killings in this competition suggest that confidence is the catalyst to such wins being orchestrated.
Twitter: The lads have arrived. #AFCvBFC https://t.co/ATUs1SS2Vm (@ReadArsenalFC)
Burnley, along with giddy Arsenal fans, will have to watch out for Mohamed Elneny. The Egyptian is set to start at the base of the midfield, and everyone is anxious to see what he can offer. Likened to Aaron Ramsey, the former Basel man has matured over the past year into a box-to-box midfielder with both defensive qualities and an eye for goal. Perhaps Elneny can be instrumental to this team right off the bat.
A player Arsenal need to watch out for is Andre Gray. The former Brentford man has been the driving force in Burnley’s bid to get back into the Premier League and is hot in-form right now. With his speed and direct style of play, he’ll be a handful for the defence if the back four is not careful and measured in how they handle this charged-up team.
Match facts
– Arsenal have won their last five FA Cup ties against Burnley.
– The Gunners have lost just one of their 40 FA Cup games against lower league opposition under Arsene Wenger.
Twitter: Congratulations to Arsene Wenger. #afc https://t.co/NQy0XPRFbd (@ReadArsenalFC)
– Arsenal have won 32 of their last 39 home FA Cup ties at home.
– Burnley have won their last three away games in all competitions, scoring ten goals and conceding just two.
Team news
Tomas Rosicky is in the squad for the first time this season, whilst Mohamed Elneny will make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt. Also, Wenger has confirmed that all players but Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere are back in training, with Francis Coquelin and Danny Welbeck coming back from lengthy injuries. However, in what is a massive blow to the young Englishman, Jack Wilshere has suffered a setback and will be out until March.
Starting XIs
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs; Elneny, Coquelin; Iwobi, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis; Giroud.
Twitter: Arsenal XI to face Burnley: Ospina; Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs; Coquelin, Elneny; Iwobi, Ox, Alexis; Giroud. #AFCvBFC (@ReadArsenalFC)
Burnley (4-2-2): Heaton; Darikwa, Keane, Mee, Ward; Boyd, Jones, Ulvestad, Arfield; Vokes, Gray.
