We’re in on FA Cup action tonight as we take on Oxford United in the third round.
The home team is 15th in League One at the moment, and I expect Mikel Arteta to make a number of changes for this game. Not only because of the slightly weaker opposition than usual, but because it is an opportunity for some of the players on the sidelines of the first team to get important minutes in their legs.
Even if there is some reluctance on the part of the manager to rotate or introduce some of them as substitutes, as the schedule fills up, it is likely that we will need one or two of these players for nights like this to be useful. Depending on Emile Smith Rowe’s fitness and whether he is fit enough to start, we could see a very different starting XI from the team that lined up against Newcastle.
Turner, Cedric, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney, Elneny, Lokonga, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Marquinhos and Nketiah are all available.
That being said, I wouldn’t be too surprised if Tomiyasu started at right back and one of Gabriel or William Saliba started at center half. Cedric has been linked with a move this month, and he wasn’t even on the bench for the last Premier League game. It may have been due to a small injury, but it’s also possible that a deal to go somewhere else is close and we don’t want an injury to undo it.
Using Eddie up front isn’t really a big deal for me. It’s not like he’s played much this season and if he can score a goal or two tonight it would be of some benefit. The only question mark is the fact that he’s our only recognized centre-forward, and if something were to happen to him, we’re not exactly replete with internal solutions. I don’t even think there is a young striker ready to start, but maybe there is one who can come off the bench for 30 minutes if we can get a decent lead.
And look, those of us with a bit of Arsenal experience know all too well that the FA Cup third round can deliver an upset or two, so nothing is taken for granted. However, it has to be something that the manager has to consider. With a North London derby to follow, then Manchester United, we have to think about the possibilities.
I don’t know much about the opposition tonight, but this is basically a free hit for them. At home, under the lights, would-be giant-slayers, etc., they also have a former Arsenal player in their ranks. Marcus McGuane left us for Barcelona a few years ago, he didn’t work out there, but now he’s a regular at Oxford, and that’s always an interesting addition.
The other aspect is that the draw for the next round was held last night, pitting us against the winners of the Man City/Chelsea game. And obviously it was Man City, who thrashed Graham Potter’s team 4-0. That means a trip to the Etihad at the end of January if we win tonight. We also face City in the league in mid-February and again in April. I know there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in terms of trying to make the team stronger, but this draw could make it clear how difficult it will be to compete on three fronts with what we have now. Remember, the Europa League is coming back soon too.
On this night, I know there is a priority issue for some fans. Our league position is much more important than the FA Cup, and I fully understand that. If you ask me what I prefer to win, there is only one answer, and that is not to rule out the cup. I love the FA Cup, but there’s no competition, right? However, it does not have to be one or the other. It can be both. We’ve done doubles in the past, and while I think that’s unlikely, I think we also know that Mikel Arteta is a man who wants to win every game, and that will inform his approach to cup play-offs as this season progresses. He was very upset about our third-round exit last season, so I think he’s going to want to take this very seriously.
So let’s see what we have tonight. As always, we’ll have live blog coverage for you and all post-game material on Arseblog News. For Patreon members, we also have a preview podcast for you, so check it out here.
For now, take it easy and I’ll see you later for the game.
