All Eggs In FA Cup Basket...Please?

Aw yes, now that’s more like it, an Arsenal player getting hurt while playing in a useless International friendly.  Arsenal fighting to hang on to fourth place and Arsenal getting knocked out of Champions League all within a week’s time.  Does that sound familiar?  Why does it sound familiar?  I tell you why, because at this point in the season, Arsenal are worn out, exhausted due to injuries and not having the squad depth to compete in four competition’s.  Last year when Arsenal crashed out of all competition, it was the best thing for the team because of the battle Arsenal were in to achieve fourth place, and even with crashing out of all competitions, Arsenal still barely scraped by for that last Champions League spot.  This year Arsenal are in a similar position as far as being on the cusp of crashing out of all competitions.  Some supporters would say the team is still in it for the league title, but c’mon really, stop it.  The only difference between last year and this year is Arsenal are in the Quarterfinals of the FA Cup and with a win on Saturday Arsenal are in the last four, and if we get a lucky draw who knows. 

That brings me to my next point, the debate this week has been should Wenger field a strong squad or a weak squad in lieu of the midweek Champions League match vs Bayern Munich.  The answer is unequivocally field a strong squad, for the simple fact that Arsenal will not win the league(too many better teams to play), and there’s no way Arsenal are going to overcome 2 away goals in Munich. BECAUSE of what HAPPEN LAST YEAR, Pep will have all the motivation material needed for his squad to prevent lightning from striking twice.  And since Arsenal have to score 3 goals, the counter attack for Bayern will be twice as potent, and that is why I’m predicting a loss for Arsenal in the return leg.  With that said, to me Arsenal do have enough quality to battle on 2 fronts (4^th place and the FA Cup). Arsenal have a much better squad in terms of quality, and Wenger has to realize the wonderful opportunity Arsenal have, and that's why he’s got to put all his eggs in the FA Cup basket and play a strong squad.  The last time Everton came to the Emirates, they really outplayed Arsenal, especially in the 1^st half, passing it around beautifully.  Everton will come into the game knowing they have the players and confidence to cause Arsenal all sorts of problems, and because of this Wenger has to play his strongest side.  The only change I would accept is Fabianski instead of Szsz.

Tactics – Everton like to keep the ball and play it on the ground.  Everton also like to get both fullbacks heavily involved in the attack leaving themselves open for the counter attack.  Arsenal should sit back, be very organized and keep it tight defensively, absorb Everton’s pressure and when the opportunities present themselves, counter with pace and efficiency.  #FAcup #Arsenal #COYG

Prediction - Arsenal 2 – 0 Everton

Goals – Giroud & Ozil

Peace Out,

Blanco