FA Cup: Round 3 Arsenal v Leeds United; Match Preview

It is affectionately known as the oldest association competition in the world. It was first played in 1871 and it is now upon us now. That’s right that grandaddy of them all, the Football Association Cup or FA Cup if you would rather is back at the Emirates. It is also the last piece of silverware that was held aloft by Arsenal.

Coming into the Emirates are last season’s darlings of the tournament – Leeds United. They went on a prolonged glorious run last season claiming no less than the scalp of one of their older rivals, Manchester United. And while the potential for an upset likely exists with this match up it may not be the focal point for the visitors.

Manager Simon Grayson comes in with an inury depleted side, and a side fighting for the Championship title. This last point is important to know about what we can expect for Saturday. Last season Grayson and Leeds Chairman Ken Bates felt the prolonged run in the FA Cup hurt their Championship run. It is fairly likely with that in mind, plus the injury situation means that a “weaker” side may be on the pitch for Leeds.

Arsenal fans though should relax in the thought that Leeds will come in and park a gold trimmed bus on the pitch, ala, Man City. It is not how this team plays and a team noone expects to do well will likely come in to the Emirates without the pressure heeped on say a side like Arsenal of whom expectations are aplenty.

Is this a Cup Wenger can hold aloft this year?

For the Gunners, we all should expect that their will be major changes form the side that has been so successful of late. The likes of Fabregas, Wilshere, Song, Djourour and Van Persie are likely to be key players getting a rest. Chamakh, Arshavin, Rosicky and Szczesny will be asked to lead the charge for the Gunners as they take the pitch on Saturday morning.

The most interesting part of this match is the fact that Arsene Wenger has given permission for Sanchez Watt, currently on loan to Leeds, to play against his primary club. Wenger has always been a proponent of allowing loanees to play against their club. The great thing about this is Wenger will get a chance to evaluate Watt against more senior talent and Arsenal fans will get a chance to see what is likely to be one of the stars of the near future in action. All in all a win win I say.

The big story line for the Gunners it the return to the lineup of Aaron Ramsey. Injured 10 months ago in a outlandish tackle by Ryan Shawcross, the promising Welshman was recalled from his loan to Nottingham Forrest this week. Due to the bad weather in England, Ramsey didn’t get to play match so his match fitness is still a question but he is healed and Wenger is likely to include him in this squad and the squad for the Carling Cup against Ipswich. Everyone is eager to see how Aaron has healed and if he suffers any lingering affects from his break. Feedback from Forrest on his loan stay was positive and we are that he was an exemplary standard bearer. All in all its good to see the back. Let’s hope he can soon get back to the form he was beginning to show before his injury.

Arsenal haven’t failed to move on from this portion of the FA Cup in the last fourteen years. They’ve won the FA Cup 10 times in their history. They are on an excellent run of form having won 6 of their last 9 with 1 loss. They are the leagues leading scorers and even with their replacements they are likely to be a handful for an under sized Leeds. Look for the Gunners to make their 15th straight trip to the fourth round.

Probable Arsenal Starting XI:
Szczesny, Squillaci, Djourou, Eboue, Gibbs, Denilson, Rosicky, Eastmond, Arshavin, Bendtner, Chamakh

Match Day Officials:
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: Mike Mullarkey and Adam Watts
Fourth official: Phil Dowd

Broadcast Information:
US: Foxsoccer.TV  0745 EST

UK:  BBC Web site 1245 GMT

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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Leeds: 0

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