FA CUP Round 3 (Replay): Arsenal v Leeds United

I am not sure it merits a lot of time discussing this match. Not because it’s important – it is but because we as a group – me the writer, and you the readers/commenters have discussed so many aspects that relate to it that I feel like I am repeating myself.

Ah well, here we go anyway.

In the last of the midweek matchups, our Arsenal head up to Elland road to take on Championship contenders, Leeds United. The once proud Leeds pulled a bit of stunner securing a 1-1 draw at the Emirates during the 8 January tie with both sides getting a penalty – Arsenal’s coming in the very end of the match.

For anyone that was surprised by Leed’s ability to play – I only need to remind you that last year that this stage they dismissed a stronger United side and in their last 7 matches at Elland Road they have yet to lose. Their lasy loss at home was a 4-0 drubbing by Cardiff.

For Arsenal failure to move on would mean that for the first time in 15 years they haven’t progressed to the 4th round.  And let’s be plain about this shall we – if Arsenal come out and play this match like they did the first one – they have absolutely no right to move beyond this round. It’s time the players began to understand that every time you pull that kit on, you are expected to perform to a certain standard.

Now look that doesn’t mean that every time a player in an Arsenal kit gets on the pitch they suddenly must be Maradona every time. No, it does mean that certain effort goes into the performance on the pitch and not some half-assed lacksidasial effort as was seen by the “B” team in the FA and Carling Cups.  And it is because of that reason I think certain players are going to sit – namely the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue.  While Arshavin and Chamakh have been just as woeful in their efforts, I tend to agree with a lot of you that they are both capable of turning in that kind of performance that can net you the win that you have to play them – especially Andrei.

I fully believe the problem with the last tie and the Carling Cup was the make up of the squad. We have gone over this ad nauseum but for whatever reason when our squad consits of Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner, Chamakh, and Eboue we simiply look disinterested and at worst awful. Its to the point with Arshavin where fans are booing him off the pitch. For Bendtner he needs to start delivering on his own hype and I think Chamakh is a case of too much too soon in the early of the season. Let’s not forget it is his first season in this league and we have played him a lot. Denilson and Eboue – let’s just say I am less than impressed.

I’ve given you all my projected lineup below. However, I should caveate that by adding I think there is the possibility that Cesc could start this match and so could Theo. But I think the combination of Rosicky and Nasri might give us enough creativity and speed to give the Captain a rest. Let’s not forget that Arshavin and Chamakh fared okay in the early season with Nasri as their partner. With Sagna back from his 3 match suspension, I look for him to start in place of Eboue and I am rooting for a shock start for Ramsey but wouldn’t be surprised to see either Wilshere, Song or Cesc there.

Szczesny gets another run out and by all indiciations will be between the sticks for the next 3 matches as Fabianksi recovers from his shoulder injury. Szczesny has played at Elland Road when he was on loan to Brentford and says it is a great ground to play and is looking forward to this opportunity. The question you have to ask – is if he continues strining together solid performances, could Fabianski’s shoulder injury be until the Summer transfer window? The kid is assured, he commands the box well, he is very vocal with his defenders and his ball distribution is quick and decisive. I am hoping, that this isn’t some sort of flash in the pan because if he is all we have seen, he is only going to get better and be a star.

We can’t go all out with our “A” team. We need to rest players with matches against Wigan and Ipswich  immediately following. Some of you may not like the rotation policy but it is prudent to make sure our 1st team is rested enough for the league run and the Champion’s League.

The winner of this tie will host Huddlesfield Town in the 4th Round

Probable Arsenal Starting XI:
Szczesny, Koscielny, Djourou, Sagna, Gibbs, Denilson, Rosicky, Ramsey, Arshavin, Chamakh, Nasri

Match Day Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant referees: Simon Long and Jake Collin
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor

Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 3:00 PM EST

UK:  ITV 2000 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT is open!!! Go here

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 4
Leeds: 2

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