Arsenal host Everton at Emirates in the FA cup quarter-finals on Saturday hoping to book a ticket to Wembley for the semi-finals. With other strong contenders like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are already knocked out of the competition, the gunners have a good chance of ending their trophy drought by winning the FA cup.
On the other hand, Roberto Martinez would like to win his second FA cup in as many years after guiding his former team Wigan to FA cup glory last season.
Injury and Team News
Arsenal are without their influential midfielder Jack Wilshere, who could miss up to 6 weeks after suffering an injury against Denmark. Aaron Ramsey and Kim Kallstrom are back in training but their participation against the toffees is still a doubt.
For everton, Phil Jagielka is a doubt while Lacina Traore, Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson are also sidelined. Romelu Lukaku who is back from an injury layoff is expected to spear-head the attack for the visitors.
Lineups
Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud
Everton: Robles; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Osman, Pienaar; Lukaku
Match Facts
- Arsenal and Everton have only met three times before in the FA Cup with the last time being in 1981. The Toffees have won twice (1910 & 1981) and Arsenal once (1928).
- Everton have won none of their last 19 away games against Arsenal in all competitions (W0 D4 L15), but have drawn the last two visits.
- Robert Martinez was coach of the Wigan Athletic side who won the FA Cup last season. His side’s victory came three days before being relegated from the Premier League with a defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
- Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium in their last 13 matches in domestic competition, winning 10 and drawing three.
- The Gunners have conceded just three goals in their last 13 domestic games at the Emirates, but Everton were one of those scorers in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League in December 2013.
Facts courtesy: Yahoo Sport
Recent form
Arsenal: LWLWDL
Everton: WLWLWL
Prediction
This game may go down to the wire but Arsenal’s strong home form may push them towards the semi-finals.
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
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