please log in to view this image English FA Cup 29th Jan 2011 KO: 16:00 Emirates Stadium please log in to view this image Arsenal meet Aston Villa in this 4th round FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium. Both these sides have faced each other twelve times in the FA Cup. Arsenal have won six of those, with Villa winning three. The last time these two teams played each other in this competition was back in 1983. Arsenal won that game 2-0. For Arsenal, this competition will come as a welcome relief away from the league, where they have lost their last three games. Arsenal's only win this year has come in the FA Cup. A 1-0 win over Leeds thanks to a goal by Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. Aston Villa have had a better time of it in the league compared to Arsenal, they come to the Emirates on the back of a derby win against Wolves. But, they have only won 2 League games in their last 6. Villa booked their place in the 4th round of the FA Cup with a win over Bristol Rovers. Goals from Marc Albrighton, substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ciaran Clark made sure that there was no giant killing this time around in the FA Cup. While this competition is not top priority for both sides, it does represent a golden opportunity in which both teams can end their long spells without a trophy. Arsenal have gone seven years without one, while Villa have gone 16 years without any silverware. So, it will be interesting to see the type of teams both managers line up with. Aston Villa fans thought that the turning point of their season was when they went and beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but Villa have not been able to string any sort of unbeaten run this season. Straight after that result, they lost to Swansea at home. Those two games sum up their season, consistently inconsistent. Star forward, Darren Bent looks like he will not be moving in this transfer window after a few rumours of a possible move to Liverpool was quashed by Alex Mcleish. Bent, although not as prolific as last season has still managed to get a decent return in front of goal. He has scored eight goals in the league and when you consider the lack of service its not a bad return. The last time Darren Bent played at the Emirates he scored twice and Villa won. So keeping a close eye on him will be vital if Arsenal are to keep a clean sheet. Their other forward, Gabby Agbonlahor started the season in fine fettle but has since struggled to maintain that type of form. Charles N'Zogbia, Villa's big money purchase in the summer has flattered to deceive. But as Arsenal know all too well he can be a very dangerous player with his pace and trickery. Both sides have already met this season. Arsenal came out winners in the League encounter at Villa Park. A late Yossi Benayoun goal sealed all three points for the Gunners. But, that was one of the few games Arsenal have won in recent times. Worryingly, their early season form has returned and the Arsenal fans know that if they do not address it soon then their season could crumble yet again. The FA Cup has not brought much joy to Arsenal fans in recent times. Since, winning the Cup back in 2005, Arsenal have only managed one Semi-Final appearance since. The injuries at full back are well documented and they have resulted in Arsenal not being able to field and form a solid and reliable base. The loss of Mikel Arteta has also been keenly felt. A man that can set the passing rhythm and help out Alex Song with the defensive side of the game. He could yet make this game if his able to shake of a calf injury. Francis Coquelin could also be fit in time to face Aston Villa. A player that has shown great versatility and promise this season. The FA Cup this year has already witnessed the magical moment of Thierry Henry scoring the winner in his second debut for a club that he is a fan of. He failed a late test before the Manchester United game and Arsenal fans will be hoping that he can be fit to face Aston Villa. With Chamakh at the African Cup of Nations and Park not being very good, Arsenal need Henry. If he does play, he can expect fine service from wonderkid, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. A player that impressed so much in his first Premier League start. So much so that Fabio Cappelo passed on a message of congratulations to the young Gunner. A player that can combine sheer speed with quick thinking. Also he is built to tackle the physical nature of top flight football compared to someone like Theo Walcott. Arsenal fans will no doubt be keen to watch the starlet start again. Arsenal need address their bad form and a win here will be the perfect start. With Premier League games against Bolton and Blackburn coming up, Arsenal can't afford to be left nursing a cup exit against Aston Villa. With Manchester City already out of the competition, Arsenal on their day are one of the five teams that could win this competition. Liverpool and Manchester United face each other, so one of them will also be out. So Arsenal need to make sure that they leave the last three league games behind them and look forward to this game. An FA Cup win will be so greatly welcomed at the moment it’s untrue. Teams News: Arsene Wenger: League Form: please log in to view this image Three Key Match-ups: please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Overall Record vs Aston Villa: Played: 182 Wins: 73 Draws: 44 Losses: 65 For: 287 Against: 260 GD: 27 Last 6 Meetings: Aston Villa 1 - 2 Arsenal Arsenal 1 - 2 Aston Villa Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal Aston Villa 0 - 0 Arsenal Arsenal 3 - 0 Aston Villa Aston Villa 2 - 2 Arsenal please log in to view this image Mangers Views: Wenger on the FA Cup: My Team: please log in to view this image Final Result: please log in to view this image
That's BRILLIANT news Can't wait to see him back. In the meantime, I fully think Yennaris should get the nod ahead of Djourou at RB. He's played well there so far. I'd probably play Arteta over Coquelin, and I'm not sure Arshavin will start. Might be good for him if he does tho.
Talking of Yennaris, here he is as a mascot. Say what you like, but its great to see players that grow up as Arsenal fans make it and get the chance to play for their club. We seem to have a few more of these type of players these days. please log in to view this image
Oh right, I get what you mean. Thought that was your ideal time. I would rest RVP as well, Villa are terrible.
Are you following Pearcesport on Twitter.He's tweeting from 'arry's trial.It's ****ing hilarious.Apparently 'arry reckons he can't read and write
Arseblog has found the Spurs team sheet from the City game. http://arseblog.com/spurs-team-sheet/ please log in to view this image
I noticed Bud getting a mention. An old one - but a good one: What have a couple shagging in a row boat, and Budweiser got in common? they are both ****ing close to water.
