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

Following with the theme of “What is Old is New,” , Arsene Wenger’s boys face off against Leeds United in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. You might remember them because it was exactly at this time last year and in the same round we faced off against them. This is all happening of course right after we brought back this year’s oldie but goodie – Thierry Henry.

Coming into last year’s 3rd round tie with Leeds they were the darlings of tournament. They had just come off a successful run the previous year seeing off Manchester United and they were in the hunt for the Championship title. Unfortunately for them they are not in the hunt this season as Simon Grayson’s side sit 8th in the Cahmpionship.

Whether the visitors can push Arsenal like they did last season is the big question. If not for a last minute penalty taken by Cesc Fabregas, Leeds could’ve had two years running where they captured a big scalp.  But the draw at the Emirates only delayed their departure from tournament by one match. They eventually were overtaken rather emphatically during the replay at Elland Road 3-1.

Like Arsenal, Leeds have a rash of injuries to contend with. Defender Patrick Kisnorbo has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, while Tom Lees and Alex Bruce are both listed as doubtful for today’s match. Additionally, they will miss the likes of star player Robert Snodgrass and captain Jonny Howson.

But its no different for Arsenal. With Gervinho already off with the Ivory Coast and Robin Van Persie off in Dubai for a well needed rest, Arsenal find themselves particularly short at the moment. Wenger promises a strong side but with the likes of Vermaelen, Sagna, Santos, Gibbs, Jenkinson and Wilshere out, how strong is the question. Other players who have been playing game in and game out also require rest.

For sure we have to consider giving rest to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscileny. Maybe even Alex Song and Szczesny. What that means is that undesirables likes Manuel Almunia and Sebastien Squillaci could feature in this side. One of them in the team is enough to give any Arsenal fan angst, but both together, well that is a calamity waiting to happen.

Still, I think you can expect to see the likes of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain get some time in. He is the one player fans are clamoring to see get more time. But I believe that Wenger is handling him just right. We made mistakes rushing Theo Walcott along and it looks like, at least early on that Wenger is not going to take the same approach with AOC. Which in my opinion is a good thing.

But the real story here isn’t who is missing but who is here and it is the return of Thierry Henry that is exciting Arsenal fans the most. Let me say I don’t expect him to start. Actually I am not sure we will ever see Henry start a game. It is likely that he is here to fill in and come in off the bench as an impact sub. And with a bench that has been devoid of any impact players – what a player to have on the bench.

Henry is not going to give us moments of glory like he did in his hey day. But he is still smart enough as a player to be effective and help up front. He is still known to score some wonderful shots in the MLS for the Red Bulls but he does not possess the pace that made him so deadly nor does he possess the ability to last a full 90 minutes which is why I think he will only be used as an impact sub.

Still, Henry is a legend and having back in the squad even for a short period of time.

How the Match Should Play Out:

I think hopes of a clean sheet should be left aside. With a make shift back four and possibly the worst keeper in the league in net, I just don’t see it happening. This is likely to be a battle in the midfield with Leeds looking to contain us in the middle and steal something on the break. Still with Yossi Benayoun likely to feature along with AOC and possibly Coquelin the midfield is strong enough to drive us forward. Whether or not our forwards are enough – at least early on  – to finish their work remains to be seen. In the end though even with our dodgy lineup I suspect what pace we have will be too much for Leeds to contend with.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Thierry Henry.  Duh is there anyone else it would be? Even on the bench the Henry factor will have filtered through the club and that can’t be overlooked.

Leeds. Ross McCormack.   11 goals in 24 Championship appearances.

Projected Arsenal Starting XI:

Almunia, Kosicleny, Mertesacker, Squillaci, Miquel AOC, Coquelin, Rosicky, Benayoun, Park, Chamakh

YAMA Prediction:

Arsenal: 3
Leeds: 1

MATCH FACTS: (courtesy the BBC and Goal.com)

• Arsenal are the second most successful club in FA Cup history, having won the competition 10 times (one fewer than Manchester United), and been runners-up on seven occasions.
• The Gunners have successfully negotiated the third round in all six seasons since last winning the Cup in 2006. They last fell at this stage in January 1996 when Sheffield United ended their interest; the season prior to Arsene Wenger’s arrival.
• The defeat to the Blades was the last time a non Premier League club knocked them out.
• Arsenal has lost just one of their last 35 FA cup games at home – a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds in 1997.
• Thierry Henry has scored a phenomenal 11 goals in 11 games against the visitors, bagging four in his last match against them in April 2004.
• Arsenal has made it past the third round in each of the last 15 seasons, a better record than any other side.
• The hosts have scored at least three goals in four out of five of their last matches against the visitors