Preview: FA Cup - Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

FA Cup - Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger goes into Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Aston Villa under some pressure after he was booed by his own fans during last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

However, Alex McLeish could also do with a decent Cup run as he contends with discontent from the Villa faithful.

The Gunners are expected to give late fitness tests to Thierry Henry, Mikel Arteta and Bacary Sagna ahead of the match at the Emirates Stadium.

Francis Coquelin has given Wenger some welcome injury relief as he returns to contention following a hamstring problem.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has recovered from an illness in time for the match, while Stephen Ireland could also be named in the squad after a hamstring injury.

Robbie Keane is likely to start up front for Villa following his two goals in last weekend's 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Current form:

Arsenal: WDWLLL Aston Villa: LDWLDW

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Yennaris, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Coquelin; Benayoun, Song, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Van Persie, Walcott

Aston Villa: Given; Warnock, Collins, Dunne; Albrighton, Petrov, Ireland, Bannan, Agbonlahor; Bent, Keane

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Author photo

Written by

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe