Match Preview FA Cup 4th Round: Arsenal v Aston Villa

We’re back. It’s been a few days since we had anything to say. Not because didn’t want to mind you but because our server died. That’s right early Thursday morning we were informed by our hosting company that the server housing YouAreMyArsenal.com had died and would need to be rebuilt. Finally, early Saturday evening after repeated refresh attempts the site came back on. I’m still not getting email and should have a deluge once it gets back on line but we’re back with enough time to put out a preview of the FA Cup 4th round tie between Arsenal and Aston Villa.

The club are in need of a win in a big win. After 3 successive losses in the league, anything that makes the fan base happy and feeling good will be welcomed. The good thing for the Gunners is they are at home. Even in spite of the reaction to the subbing of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain last Sunday, the home crowd should be up for the day and in full throat for the home side.

Darren Bent is likely to start up front for Alex McLeish’s men. I don’t think anyone needs reminding of what can happen when we were last complacent against this squad and with Darren Bent on the field. It was over before it started. Additionally, Arsenal don’t need to be reminded of what happened the last time they faced off against an Alex McLeish side in a cup tie.  Any lack of focus or flat play will make this a very hard night for the Gunners.

With Bent they have scoring but with the likes of Agbonlahor and Albrighton on the wings they have speed too. That means its likely Arsenal fullbacks could be under the kosh. Throw in Villa’s own MLS signing – Robbie Keane and Villa could present problems.

Look for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to feature and act as a counter to Villa’s pace. He has shown in few appearances that he is a better all-around option than Andrei Arshavin. With Villa’s speed it also means the misfiring Theo Walcott will start. And in the middle none other than Mikel Arteta should feature as he returns from his calf injury.

And their is other good news to actually report from London Colney as RB Bacary Sagna is set to face a late fitness test on Saturday to determine if he will play on Sunday. Even if he doesn’t start he will likely be on the bench  If Sagna is on the bench look for youngster Nico Yennaris to get the nod over Johann Djourou. One of the bright spots of the loss to United was the solid play of Yennaris. He came on to replace Djourou in the 2nd half and tightened up an area that had clearly been targeted by United. Whatever the combination it is a better back four when Djourou is out of the squad.

The other good news we’ve heard is that Francis Coquelin is set to return and Kieran Gibbs returns to full training on Monday. Unfortunately, there was bad news to report as Jack Wilshere suffered a set back complaining of ankle pain. The time-frame of this latest set back is unknown but it is likely a safe bet to say to say we shouldn’t count on him for the rest of the season.

Arsenal really need to come out and treat this match like its a cup final. They need to take the play directly to the visitors and control the match from the get go. If they come out as flat as they have in the last few matches the Aston Villa squad that is likely play will take advantage.

The FA Cup looks like Arsenal’s best bet for silverware. Both of the the Manchester clubs are out. Chelsea look like the need a miracle to win and Liverpool remain the next solid club. It’s perfectly set for the red and white side of North London. But they still have to do the deed.

Some facts courtesy of the BBC:

• Villa have already lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the Premier League at Villa Park this term, but won last season’s trip to the Emirates Stadium 2-1.
• This is the 10th time these clubs have been drawn to meet in the FA Cup; Arsenal lead by six wins to three, with the most recent in the 1983 quarter-finals
• 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. In the six seasons since winning the cup in 2006, they have failed to make the fifth round twice.
• The Gunners have won their last three ties in front of the home supporters, and have not lost in 32, since a 1-0 reverse to Leeds in the fourth round in February 1997

Projected Line Ups:

Referee: Michael Jones

Broadcast Information:

US: Fox Soccer Channel 11:00 AM
UK: ESPN UK 1600 GMT

GAMEDAYCHAT: Is Open – https://youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:

Arsenal: 2
Aston Villa: 1