Arsenal take on championship side Leeds United in tonight’s big FA Cup replay at Elland Road. The North London side are the overwhelming favourites for the clash but the match-up is not a forgone conclusion as Arsenal fans would be the first to tell you they struggled with Championship opposition last week when they took on Ipswich in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg which ended in a 1-0 win for the Tractor Boys.
After their hiccup against Ipswich, the Gunners returned to winning ways at West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arsenal have not lost in the third round since 1996 – when they were beaten, in a replay in Yorkshire by a team from the second tier. Omen? You heard it here first.
On that occasion, Arsenal lost 1-0 at Bramall lane after Sheffield United had held them to a 1-1 draw at Highbury.
The home side have their injury problems with striker Luciano Becchio is a doubt with a back injury while George McCartney, signed on loan from Sunderland, is not eligible.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, is also in line to face his parent club once again.
Wojciech Szczesny will be keeping goal for Arsenal as Lukasz Fabianski remains sidelined with a shoulder problem.
Right-back Bacary Sagna, who spoke exclusively to thisisfutbol.com on the weekend, is now available after completing his three-match ban and winger Tomas Rosicky is expected back after a virus while Nicklas Bendtner may get another chance in attack.
French defender Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring), midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and central defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain absent.
The winner of the tie will host League One Huddersfield in the fourth round.
The game is expected to be a sell-out so expect a rocking Elland Road looking for their first scalp of the season.
