Arsen Wenger - Arsenal
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
ARSENAL  Almunia Koscielny, Squillaci, Miquel, Hoyte Oxlade-Chamberlain, Song, Coquelin, Benayoun, Chamakh, Park | LEEDS UTD  Lonergan Connolly, Lees, O’Dea, White Townsend, Clayton, Brown, Pugh McCormack, Becchio |
The headlines for Arsenal this week have been dominated by the return of Thierry Henry on a two-month loan, but the Gunners’ legend is unlikely to make the starting XI, with Marouane Chamakh - who is yet to depart for the African Cup of Nations - likely to partner Chu-Young Park in attack. Gervinho is on Afcon duty with Ivory Coast. The midfield is likely to feature youngsters Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Yossi Benayoun may also be handed a start after some impressive recent performances. In defence, Thomas Vermaelen (calf) and Bacary Sagna (ankle) join Andre Santos (ankle), Carl Jenkinson (back) and Kieran Gibbs (groin) on the sidelines, while Johan Djourou is suspended.
Leeds United were rocked by news on Tuesday that centre-back Patrick Kisnorbo will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. The visitors are also without in-form midfielder Robert Snodgrass and club captain Jonny Howson.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 35 FA cup games at home - a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds in 1997.
- Thierry Henry (pictured right) has scored a phenomenal 11 goals in 11 games against the visitors, bagging four in his last match against them in April 2004.
- Arsenal have made it past the third round in each of the last 15 seasons, a better record than any other side.
- The hosts have scored at least three goals in four out of five of their last matches against the visitors.
- However, Arsenal have averaged just one goal per game in their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
- This is the second season in a row that the two sides have been drawn against each other at this stage of the competition, with Arsenal winning a replay at Elland Road 3-1 in last season’s tie, after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.
- Leeds have been drawn against a ‘top four’ club for the third season in a row at this stage of the FA Cup, facing Arsenal in 2011 and Manchester United in 2010.
- The away side have won just one of their last 13 encounters with top-flight opponents, beating Manchester United 1-0 in 2010.
Prediction
Both sides come into the match without a number of crucial players, but I think that the squad depth required in the Premier League will give Arsenal that edge, as they have a number of quality players ready to fill the gaps. I’m backing a 3-1 win for the Gunners, with Thierry Henry to make an appearance and snatch a fairytale goal against the side he seems to love scoring against so much.
Editor's Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Leeds 
