The Emirates FA cup fourth round resumed with an East Midlands derby between Derby County and current English Champions Leicester. It ended all square with a 2-2 scoreline to secure a draw and replay at the King’s Power Stadium.
However, our focus today is the game at St Mary’s Stadium against hosts Southampton. Despite their formidable form at home, this is a fixture that should be easy pickings for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger will be missing from the touchline as he commences his 4-game domestic football ban today having received the verdict from the English FA officially yesterday.
With a plethora of striking options available for this fixture, Danny Welbeck may be in the starting 11. Olivier Giroud, Lucas Perez, and Oxlade-Chamberlain should have a shot at being in the starting lineup as well.
That leaves Steve Bould with a selection headache as to who starts and who comes on as a substitute during the game. Considering the FA cup is a competition of priority for The Boss, a very strong and competitive lineup will be expected from the Gunners.
David Ospina will most likely start in goal as he has done for cup competitions, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, and Monreal should very likely complete that backline.
Ramsey and Coquelin might resume a partnership in the center of the field whilst Iwobi will be my choice for a pivot in the no 10 position. Having failed to get on the scoreboard only once when started, Olivier Giroud will most likely lead the line in Centre forward.
He(Giroud) may be flanked by Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck on the right and left respectively. Oxlade-Chamberlain might start in place of Welbeck, however, depending on The Boss’s preference.
Here’s the predicted line-up we will lineup this evening:
(GK)David Ospina, (RB)Hector Bellerin, (RCB)Mustafi, (LCB)Koscienly and (LB)Monreal, (DM)Francis Coquelin, (CM)Ramsey, (CAM)Iwobi. (RW)Lucas Perez, (LW)Danny Welbeck and finally (CF)Olivier Giroud.
We will very likely retain our 4-2-3-1 formation and expect a 4-5-1 formation from Southampton.
As a clear note of warning to the Gunners, The Saints have a resilient spirit in front of their home crowd and underestimating them will be at our peril.
The need for a strong start couldn’t be more emphasized in this game. Full concentration throughout the game is also highly advised as The Saints are pretty good at set pieces.
Our prediction for the game at St Mary’s Stadium this evening is nil-4 to the Arsenal.
COYG!!!!
