Arsenal welcome giant killers Middlesbrough on Sunday in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Championship side have already defeated Premier League Champions Manchester City in the previous round and with the injury crisis at the Emirates, an away win against the current FA Cup holders isn’t out of the question.
Let’s take a look at Arsenal’s predicted lineup for this FA Cup tie.
Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczesny
Wozceich Szczesny is set to return to the first team after losing his place as the Gunners No. 1, thanks to both loss of form and the smoking controversy. Talking about the Polish keeper ahead of the game, Wenger said:
“[Szczesny] has responded very well, in a very focused way and he is ready to play,” Wenger said. “I left Ospina in because he had done well, but Wojciech is completely ready and he has been impressive in training. At the moment Ospina plays [in the Premier League], but the position is open. We will see in the future.”
Defence – Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs.
Calum Chambers is expected to fill in at right back in the absence of Mathieu Debuchy, who is out until mid-April with a dislocated shoulder. January recruit Gabriel Paulista could well make his debut for the Gunners alongside Laurent Koscielny. Kieran Gibbs’ pace down the left flank enhances Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Midfield – Walcott, Rosicky, Flamini, Cazorla.
Aaron Ramsey is walking treatment rooms and is joined by the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta. So Thomas Rosicky may well be called upon to play alongside Mathieu Flamini in center midfield with the Frenchman asked to operate as the pivot. Theo Walcott’s pace should cause all sorts of problems for the visitors and with Santi Cazorla’s vision and ability added to the mix, Arsenal look a strong side.
Forwards – Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud.
Danny Welbeck has the ability to run with the ball from deeper positions and with Rosicky and Cazorla’s ability to pick the passes, Welbeck playing just in front of Giroud seems the most potent option. Olivier Giroud is a certainty to start as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack and should thrive in Theo Walcott’s presence.
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