Arsenal (a) Cup 5th round build up

[TheElephantMan]

I want us to beat them, but I'd rather us finish in the top 4 than win the FA Cup this season. The two things are not mutually exclusive. Next Sunday's game against Swansea is more important than this cup game against Arsenal. There is some logic in the argument that beating Arsenal tomorrow could demoralise them and that would be good. I think Arsenal are the weakest of the teams above us and they could easily drop out of the top 4.

[Shaggy]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2560545/Wenger-let-Sanogo-lead-line-Liverpool-clash-despite-young-Frenchman-searching-Arsenal-goal.html

Wenger could let Sanogo lead the line in Liverpool clash despite young Frenchman still searching for his first Arsenal goal

By TOM BELLWOOD

PUBLISHED: 10:24, 16 February 2014 | UPDATED: 10:30, 16 February 2014

Yaya Sanogo is set to make his first Arsenal start as Arsene Wenger reshuffles his team for Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Liverpool.

The France Under 21 international is set to be named in the Gunners’ 18-man matchday squad for the Emirates Stadium tie and could even lead the attack.

Wenger is considering giving a much-needed rest to first-choice striker Olivier Giroud ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League first-leg encounter against Bayern Munich.

Wojciech Szczesny could also be rested against Liverpool, paving the way for his No 2 Lukasz Fabianski to make a rare start. Lukas Podolski is also expected to feature in the fifth-round tie against Brendan Rodgers’ team.

Wenger will make a late decision on Santi Cazorla, who took part in training on Saturday despite suffering from an illness which the manager predicted would keep him out of the game.

But there will be no place for club captain Thomas Vermaelen, who has suffered another injury setback after being sidelined since the third-round victory over Tottenham on January 4.

Wenger has decided to make a number of changes after picking his strongest available team for the last two Premier League matches, a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Liverpool and a goal-less draw against Manchester United.

Arsenal’s second game in eight days against the Merseysiders provides an immediate opportunity to make amends for the setback at Anfield.

However, Giroud is among those who could be held back for the Champions League after playing virtually every minute of every game for Arsenal this season. If he is rested, fellow Frenchman Sanogo, who joined Arsenal from Auxerre last summer, is expected to get the nod to spearhead the attack over Nicklas Bendtner.

The 21-year-old has made only two substitute appearances in an injury-ravaged debut campaign at Emirates Stadium and has yet to score for the club.

[Fredo]

Weird that he wouldn't go with Bender if that's true.

[-V-]

Gutted this is on BT but still can't wait for it. Arsenal have Bayern in a few days and looks like Cazorla will be missing for them. Really hope Agger is fit to start, I'm looking forward to it

[john316]

If the Arsenal team is as weak as is being reported today, then it's simply a must win game for us. Back to back away wins will improve confidence for sure. Be a blow if we can't beat the Arsenal reserves.

[RichC]

I'll wait to see the side that Arsenal put out but if it's pretty much a reserve side we need to take advantage of this and gain some confidence by winning away from home again.

Getting on a run of wins regardless of it being the FA cup or the league will be good for our confidence and the run into the end of the season.

[Shaggy]

Maybe my mind's playing tricks but we always seem to lose when we pick a full strength side against a big team's weakened XI. Happened at Arsenal before I think, and at United in the League Cup this season.

As I said I see this as a free hit - let's absolutely ****ing go for it, full strength, full tilt and rub their noses in it.

If we lose, who gives a ****. If we win, ****in brilliant.

[Fosterbloke]

He'll score a ****ing hat trick now.

[Fredo]

Steve Peters is on Sunday Brunch (C4) right now.

[rodo]

maybe he could work on lovejoy not being a cock

[dom9]

Is this game on proper tv?

[RedReet]

Bt sport

[Gibbo]

I'm less nervous about this than I am our normal league games now.

[Exiled_red]

I'm less nervous about this than I am our normal league games now.

I'm not worried about the result, I'm more worried about us picking up injuries

[Shaggy]

Doubt he was going to play anyway but Giroud has just tweeted this...he's been busted cheating on his wife with some busty young vixen.

Olivier Giroud @_OlivierGiroud_
I apologise to my wife, family and friends and my manager, team-mates and Arsenal fans.

Olivier Giroud @_OlivierGiroud_
I now have to fight for my family and for my club and obtain their forgiveness. Nothing else matters at the moment.