It does not matter at what stage of the campaign they are in or where they are in the league standings. Arsenal's critics are always alive and well, with this season being no different than the last.
Since their move to the Emirates from Highbury, Arsenal has struggled to find consistency in their game, as well as in the trophy case. With a drought of over seven years, the current FA Cup campaign could be the best chance Arsenal has to claim some silverware.
The Gunners will welcome Blackburn Rovers to the Emirates, knowing that they can not under estimate their opposition.
Blackburn has yet to lose any away games this season, forcing Arsene Wenger's side to be even more focused and determined to come out on top Saturday.
Since being relegated to the Championship last May, Blackburn has struggled to stay consistent. They are currently eighth in the league standings, leaving them six points back of a playoff position. Rover's manager Michael Appleton will obviously want to take his side back up to the Premier League, but he will not want to miss out on an opportunity to knock off a giant in English Football.
Juggling the Championship and the FA Cup can be hard, but Arsene Wenger has it even more difficult than that.
Without a title in so many years, the pressure continues to build for the French manager. After going out on penalty kicks against Bradford City, the FA Cup looks like the next best option. Although they still have a chance in the Champions League, getting by a very strong Bayern Munich side will not be easy.
Knowing that his side has a very important match mid-week against Bayern Munich, Arsene Wenger will want to not only rotate his side, but he will also want a convincing victory to offer his side some added confidence.
Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will miss the match due to injury, but they both should be fit for the clash with Bayern Munich. Carl Jenkinson will also miss the match after picking up a red card in their last match against Sunderland.
Previous Matches
02-04-12 Arsenal 7-1 Blackburn
09-17-11 Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal
04-02-11 Arsenal 0-0 Blackburn
08-28-10 Blackburn 1-2 Arsenal
05-03-10 Blackburn 2-1 Arsenal
10-04-09 Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn
Prediction
Since the arrival of Nacho Monreal, Arsenal has two clean-sheets. Coincidence? Most likely, but, whatever was changed, it has clearly worked. It not only worked, but against Sunderland, Arsenal played with a makeshift back-line, having Bacary Sagna play in the center-back position.
Seeing his name along side Mertesacker must have caused some serious concern for Arsenal fans, but the truth is that he actually played very well. Although he may not be tall, his ability to get back and make vital challenges was noticeable, as was his ability to inject some stability and patience into Arsenal's back four.
Whether it is Koscielny, Vermaelen or even Mertesacker, Arsenal's back-line seems to always look suspect and nervous. At times, the instability in the back four seems to even carry over to Wojciech Szczesny. Against Sunderland, Szczesny looked secure as did the Arsenal defense as they defended for their lives, having gone down to ten men after Jenkinson was sent off.
Against Blackburn, they should not have to face such a difficult test, but they will need to make sure they are prepared for what ever Rovers throw at them. Jenkinson's red card will mean that Sagna will most likely return to the right back position, giving Miquel a chance to start along side Mertesacker.
Theo Walcott may also get some rest ahead of their Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich, while Jack Wilshere will miss the match after picking up a dead leg against Sunderland.
The visitors have some experienced and dangerous players of their own, of which Arsene Wenger will make sure to pay close attention to.
Jordan Rhodes, who signed in the summer, has been a fantastic signing for the Rovers, scoring 20 goals in 30 appearances for his new side. Rhodes will get a chance to score the first goal against Arsenal since the arrival of Monreal.
Knowing that they are underdogs, Blackburn has nothing to lose and will be very motivated as they attempt to knock off the Gunners at the Emirates. Arsenal on the other hand has no reason to believe they can not see off this Blackburn side, which they have had success against at home in previous years.
Their previous match at the Emirates ended in a thrilling 7-1 victory, but Blackburn will make sure that does not happen again. We may not see eight goals in this match, but we still could see at least three or four.
With Mertesacker in charge of the back-line for a second straight week, Arsenal should be able to control the Blackburn offense, while netting a few goals to see them through to the next round.
Arsenal 3-0 Blackburn Rovers
