Arsenal will be kicking off their FA cup defence against a Sunderland side that have been ragged in the last few days. The gunners have won the tournament on the last two occasions and there is no particular reason why they cannot defend it again.
Unlike the past few seasons, Arsenal have certainly much to look forward, apart from the FA cup, this season. They are on top of the Premier league and would definitely give much more importance to the title chase than the FA cup. However, for this particular third round match, Wenger will not be so worried about a Sunderland who have not really got going even under Sam Allardyce.
Although the game is at the Emirates, Sunderland would be looking to cause an upset with the team gaining some confidence after beating fellow premier league strugglers Aston Villa in their last league game. However, Allardyce will know that it will take a lot of effort for the black cats to defeat even an under strength Arsenal side, who may have an eye towards their clash against Liverpool in the league.
Arsenal, apart from their long term absentees would be without Sanchez with Arteta and Rosicky most likely to make a return. Sunderland on the other hand have relatively lesser injury worries with Kaboul and Larsson expected to return later this month and the extent of the injury caused to Rodwell still unknown.
Possible Line ups:
Arsenal Starting 11:
Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs, Flamini, Arteta, Ox-Chamberlain, Campbell, Ozil, Walcott
Sunderland Starting 11:
Pantilimon, O'Shea, Yedlin, Coates, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, M'Vila , Borini, Toivonen, Watmore, Defoe
Predicted Score:
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
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Although the game is at the Emirates, Sunderland would be looking to cause an upset with the team gaining some confidence after beating fellow premier league strugglers Aston Villa in their last league game. However, Allardyce will know that it will take a lot of effort for the black cats to defeat even an under strength Arsenal side, who may have an eye towards their clash against Liverpool in the league.
Arsenal, apart from their long term absentees would be without Sanchez with Arteta and Rosicky most likely to make a return. Sunderland on the other hand have relatively lesser injury worries with Kaboul and Larsson expected to return later this month and the extent of the injury caused to Rodwell still unknown.
Possible Line ups:
Arsenal Starting 11:
Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs, Flamini, Arteta, Ox-Chamberlain, Campbell, Ozil, Walcott
Sunderland Starting 11:
Pantilimon, O'Shea, Yedlin, Coates, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, M'Vila , Borini, Toivonen, Watmore, Defoe
Predicted Score:
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
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