Maybe this will be one of my shortest blogs, and probably one of the most straight forward writing when it comes to pre-match previews. hehe.
Yes we won against Leicester, and yes no matter how badly we did it, we at least managed to scrap a shoddy 2-1 win against a bottom placed Leicester side, moving us just a point towards our annual 'goal' the top four trophy, according to Wenger.
Despite me predicting a 4-0 win for the Arsenal, at least two of my predicted goal scorers, spared me the blushes. Laurent Koscielny scored Arsenal's opener from a Mesut Ozil delivery, to make it three goals in the league for the French international.
Koscielny's goal was not only a step closer to his annual four goals for the club, but it meant that the club now has scored more set piece goals than any other premier league side this season, with 14 goals, a fete which I can't remember the last time we came close to achieving. It also meant that the now revitalized Ozil, has now netted thrice and assisted twice in his last four games in all competitions.
Theo speedster Walcott, scored Arsenal's winner, but the manner which he buried it, was exquisite and breathtaking. After Mesut went for a long range shot, something which surprised many, Theo sprinted from the center of the park to volley in, Mark Schwarzer's rebound, to make it three goals in three starts as well as a remarkable 7 goals in his last seven matches for the club.
The FA Cup magic is back this weekend, and Arsenal continue their cup defence against division one side, Middlesbrough. After a scrappy 2-3 win over Brighton over a fortnight ago, Wenger's charges look to extend their unbeaten home run in this competition to 40 matches, having lost just once at home in the last 40 home cup matches.
I believe Boro will be a hard nut to crack, given their recent impressive run both in the cup and in their league. Firmly holding the top spot, Aitor Karaka's men look more focused than ever and this match will definitely be another big match for them, a reason I believe Wenger shouldn't undermine them.
1. Aitor Karanka
Boro's manager, worked as assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, and has taken just 15 months to turn a club that was in danger of dropping into the third tier into one capable of competing with the best sides in the country. Well Prof, having a manager who used to coach one of the biggest clubs in the world facing off with you, it's surely a big reason not to put up a second tier side.
2. Boro are on top of the second tier league and are not looking like a side ready to let a perfect chance of bouncing back into the top tier division, slip. They actually ousted City 3-2 from the competition, after coming back from two goals down to surprise the champions in their own turf. Well would you rather have Cazorla sit out the match all in the name of cushioning him ahead of our tight league fixtures, or have him break his ankle, scoring a wonder goal to send us into the cup semis?. So With the cub looking to end a six-year absence in the league, expect nothing less of a battle when both teams square out at the Emirates.
3. Arsenal really need its best troops out into the jungle, not just for a win but also to rebuild our confidence after two poor outings, since Villa's demolition. With Ozil and Walcott slowly clicking, a few more matches together with Cazorla by their side, will help build an unbeatable side, and as a result, the reserves will have no chance but enhance a strong and fierce competition for places, with the champions league on the horizon.
4. Wenger hinted at starting Arsenal's latest acquisition, Gabriel Paulista against Boro, a decision which I totally support! for those who have watched the 24-year-old centre half, his quest for glory, concentration, top drawer attitude and pace off and on the ball, know what Arsenal fans are set to enjoy once the Brazilian hits the ground running. Wenger said Gaby's language barrier has been the reason why he is yet to start the former Villareal man. Maybe he can finally communicate with his fellow squad members, guessing from Wenger's 'promise' of starting him. All I hope is that he will be playing alongside the experienced defenders, if we are to down the giant slayers.
5. Another reason I think we should line up our best numbers is cause, I don't expect Wenger to rest players in favor of the Champions League which is a fortnight away, and field a weaker side in the only competition which we stand a huge chance of not only retaining, but a chance to make it a record 12th trophy. I'd rather have a weak Arsenal side in the cup's semi finals than a strong dreaded XI against Palace next weekend.
TEAM NEWS:
-Aaron ramsey out, Alexis Sanchez could be short. Jack Wilshere back in normal training-Only George Ramsay (6 with Aston Villa) has won the FA Cup as a manager more times than Arsene Wenger.
-The Gunners have won 11 FA Cup finals, only Manchester United have won as many.
-Middlesbrough have won just two of their last 12 FA Cup matches against top flight opponents (W2 D3 L7).
-This is the eighth time Arsenal and Middlesbrough have been drawn together in the FA Cup, with -Arsenal winning five of the previous seven (once after a replay) and Middlesbrough two.
-Olivier Giroud has scored five and assisted four goals in his 10 FA Cup appearances.
-Middlesbrough’s last four FA Cup matches have all ended with a 2-0 scoreline in favour of the away team (two won, two lost).
-The Gunners have lost just one of their last 40 FA Cup home matches (W30 D9 L1) including the match v Sheffield United in 1999 that they offered to replay.
My Predicted lineup: Szczesny, Bellerin, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs, Flamini, Cazorla, Rosicky,Ozil,Walcott, Giroud.
My AFCvMFC predictions: Arsenal 3-1 Boro. (Ozil, Walcott and Giroud).
COYG!!!
TWITTER/IG: @bryoshavin
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