FA Cup Third Round Replay: Leeds United vs. Arsenal
Mike Dean, one of the controversial referees of the game, will be overseeing the FA Cup third round replay between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland road today. After the first match between the two sides was drawn at Emirates
stadium on 8 January, the Gunners did well to get back on track with a win against West Ham United in the Premier League over the weekend. However, the match that took place eleven days ago will be on everyone’s mind as Arsenal prepares to escape an early
and embarrassing FA Cup exit.
In the first match up, it was a penalty in the 90th minute that caused the replay. Robert Snodgrass had also scored from the penalty spot to give his side the lead earlier in the game. Though, a loss in the third round
of the cup competition will be Arsenal’s first since the 1996 season, when the London side lost out to Yorkshire.
Luciano Becchio, the Peacocks striker, is doubtful for the game because of a back injury he picked up over the weekend. Becchio has been in good form this season, scoring 13 goals. If the 27-year-old striker is not fit to play
in time, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bill-c7610 Paynter, David Somma and Ross McCormack will be possible options for Leeds manager Simon Grayson to pick from to start at the front.
On the other hand, Leeds left back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/George-McCartney-c14574 will not be able to feature today as he returned to the club from Sunderland, where he was on loan after the first 1-1 draw at Emirates. Ben Parker will most likely replace him.
Grayson will have an otherwise fully fit squad, with no fresh injuries or suspensions and will have the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sanchez-Watt-c32438. The former Arsenal player scored his first goal for Leeds over the weekend and he is expected to continue his good form in the
match.
Arsenal right back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bacary-Sagna-c7148 will be available after completing his three-match suspension, while Tomas Rosicky will most likely make an appearance today after having recovered from a virus attack. This game could also mark
the return of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robert-c31222 van Persie.
Considering the fact that Arsenal won the last time these two sides met at Elland road in the third round of the 2004 FA Cup, the Peacocks certainly are not the favourites. Whoever comes out of this fixture as the victor will face
Huddersfield in the next round.
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