Mikel Arteta makes his FA Cup managerial bow as Arsenal welcome Leeds United of the Championship to the Emirates Stadium in Monday Night Football.
Arsenal are currently on a run of inconsistent form whilst Leeds sit top of the Championship, making a cupset here a huge possibility.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesCalum Chambers is out for Arsenal until the start of next season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Martinelli could return from hamstring injuries but Kieran Tierney is out until spring with a shoulder injury.
Leeds could have Tyler Roberts available after the Wales international missed Wednesday’s draw at West Brom through squad rotation and a leg issue.
Pablo Hernandez (hamstring) and Adam Forshaw (hip) are ruled out.
Robbie Gotts and goalkeeper, Illan Meslier meanwhile will make their senior debuts.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have lost just two of 16 FA Cup meetings against Leeds United (W7, D7, L2).
- Leeds are winless in two previous FA Cup trips to the Emirates Stadium (D1, L1).
- Both teams have scored in three of their last five FA Cup meetings, with the only exceptions being a 1-0 win for each team (Arsenal in January 2012 at Emirates, Leeds in February 1997 at Highbury).
- Don Howe is the last permanent Arsenal manager to lose his opening FA Cup game losing 3-2 at Middlesbrough in January 1984, with the last four permanent managers since then all avoiding defeat (W2, D2).
- Leeds have failed to score in their last three away FA Cup trips to top tier opposition, losing all three games by an aggregate of 6-0.
Prediction
Arsenal must view this as a must win game after their excellent home win over Manchester United on New Year’s Day, otherwise they are going to remain stuck in their rut with the occasional win here and there.
That isn’t simply good enough for a team of Arsenal’s stature but Leeds have bigger issues to fry in the Championship, so I am expecting them to turn up with a weakened team who shouldn’t be much trouble for Mikel Arteta’s men.
This stage of the FA Cup however is about the magic and upsets so I have a feeling that Arsenal’s decision to recall Eddie Nketiah from his loan at Leeds could be key, because he is either going to be their hero or a surprise villain which sends Leeds through.
I however am inclined to go for hero because Arsenal need to start building some form quickly, and he could well be the youthful boost that they need up front in a comfortable win.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United