Arsenal bounced back from a disheartening defeat against Tottenham with a win against Leicester. The victory was narrow; 2-1 was the score line in midweek. The Gunners initially went into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott. Leicester pulled one back but Arsene Wenger's men held on for three points. The Gunners, although fourth place in the league remains their top priority, should believe that they can defend what is their title. The team from North London won the competition with some magnificent displays last season of course.
Their opponent in this match is Middlesbrough; Middlesbrough have won six matches on the trot in all competitions; they will definitely trouble the Gunners. Arsenal does not seem to be the most confident team currently. Also, recent encounters between big guns and the smaller sides from lower divisions have shown that big teams can be caught out if they are not paying attention at all times.
Arsenal will come into this match without Abou Diaby, Mathieu Debuchy, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey. Jack Wilshere has resumed training and might make the bench for this one. Alexis Sanchez might be given a runout late into the match to allow him to gain his match fitness. Damia is out for Middlesbrough; Daniel Ayala and Mustapha Carayol are doubtful for the side from the English Championship.
Can Arsenal win this match? Interested in learning how you can watch the 2014-15 English FA Cup? Check out our FA Cup Page.
Arsenal vs Middlesbrough team sheets
Arsenal's lineup: Szczesny, Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Cazorla, Welbeck, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Boro's lineup:Mejias, Fredericks, Omeruo, Gibson, Friend, Leadbitter, Clayton, Adomah, Tomlin, Kike, Bamford.
Arsenal's subs: Martinez, Mertesacker, Monreal, Rosicky, Walcott, Coquelin, Akpom
Boro's subs: Ripley, Nsue, Husband, Vossen, Reach, Whitehead, Woodgate.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
