Arsenal – Middlesbrough FA Cup Match Preview
Arsenal continue are hoping to continue the journey towards retaining the FA Cup, and since Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham were all knocked out in the last round, the best football predictions see them as favourites to win the competition. Despite being likely, on paper at least, to win this next match, they’ll be wary of Middlesbrough threat as Boro deservedly eliminated Manchester City at the Etihad in the last round. Aitor Karanka’s men have won their last 6 games in a row and have lost only 1 of their last 19 in all competitions, so they certainly stand a chance of creating an upset here. The home side rarely slip up against so-called lesser sides, particularly on home soil and in the FA Cup, and should secure their place in the sixth round. Arsene Wenger will likely change things a little but he won’t want to run the risk of allowing Boro the chance for another upset, and with Jack Wilshere back in full training the midfielder could make his return to first team action. Aitor Karanka rested a few players in midweek so will be fielding a strong team at the Emirates with Tomas Mejias who could keep his place in goal after such an impressive showing at City in the last round but Daniel Ayala is a major doubt after picking up an injury in the win over Blackpool on Tuesday so Kenneth Omeruo will be on standby to come in. The best FA Cup prediction would not suggest an easy 3-0 victory for the away team.
Our Probable Formations:
Arsenal (4.2.3.1) Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Rosicky, Coquelin, Welbeck, Cazorla, Özil and Giroud.
Middlesbrough (4.4.1.1) Mejias, Fredericks, Gibson, Omeruo, Friend, Bamford, Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Tomlin and Kike.
BetAdvisor Top Tips:
Arsenal are undefeated in their last 8 matches in FA Cup.
Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches in FA Cup.
Arsenal have won 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal have won 8, drawn 3 and lost only 1, of their 12 league and FA Cup fixtures at the Emirates.
Arsenal have lost just twice against Middlesbrough in 16 matches in all competitions and have won 7 of their last 10 home fixtures against the Riverside club.
Middlesbrough defeated Manchester City away from home in the last round of the FA Cup.
Middlesbrough have won their last 6 matches straight in all competitions and sit top of the Championship having gone unbeaten since Christmas (10 fixtures).
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Middlesbrough’s last 4 games in FA Cup.