Premier League leaders Arsenal begin their quest for a record-extending 15th FA Cup with a visit to League One side Oxford United.
Oxford United may not have envisaged a more robust opponent in the FA Cup third round, as they host Arsenal at the Kassam Stadium. The League One outfit have managed to progress beyond this round in three of the last six years. However, they have not crossed the fifth-round mark in their history.
They had done better than last year when they got dumped out of the competition by Bristol Rovers. But, while the Kassam faithful are dreaming about a giant-killing spree starting with Arsenal, Oxford United’s current form suggests otherwise.
While they have scored only 29 points from 24 games this season, keeping them in 15th sport in League One, Oxford have yet to have a favourable record against Premier League teams in the FA Cup. They have managed victory only once in eight outings against top-flight opposition, which came against Swansea City in the 2015/16 season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are seeking a record-extending 15th FA Cup trophy and a second under Mikel Arteta as they start their campaign against Oxford. The Gunners are also looking to bounce back from a draw against Newcastle United earlier this week as they maintain momentum on the field ahead of some tough fixtures.
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The Gunners and their manager will be wary of lower-league opposition despite being overwhelming favourites to win against Oxford. Last season, Arsenal were ousted by Nottingham Forest at this same stage as a late goal away from home resulted in their elimination.
Arteta’s men will wear a ‘White’ kit to support a cause against knife violence, similar to what they did last season against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal will hope for success this time, and the manager will hope his ‘thin’ squad has what it takes to progress this year and win their 15th FA Cup trophy.
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Oxford United
#EmiratesFACup ready 💪 pic.twitter.com/6KzOT6ZJNa
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 8, 2023
Karl Robinson will have no new problems from their last game as they welcome Arsenal at the Kassam Stadium. However, a few players are likely to miss the clash with injuries, with some of those being key players. Kyle Joseph and Sam Baldock are missing from action and will play no part against the Gunners.
Joseph could return from his ankle problem in time for Oxford’s clash with Fleetwood Town on January 14, which rules him out of the Arsenal game. Meanwhile, Marcus Browne could also be sidelined for several weeks.
Browne’s absence may force Robinson to use Matty Taylor or 18-year-old Gatlin O’Donkor to lead the line. The manager could also hand in Hull City loanee Brandon Fleming his debut for the club after he arrived earlier this month on a short-term deal. He could get the nod, but the boss could hold him for a further date.
Robinson could set up his side in an attacking manner, with a 4-3-3 likely to become their shape against Arsenal. Yanic-Sonny Wildschut and Tyler Goodrham will likely support Taylor in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McGinty; Anderson, Moore, Long, Brown; Bate, McGuane, Brannagan; Wildschut, Taylor, Goodrham
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is likely to use the distraction of the FA Cup and the prospect of playing a lower-league opposition to make many changes to his playing squad. As a result, there could be a complete overhaul to the team that started against Newcastle United, although one or two could still keep their places.
💬 “Tomorrow if he trains well, he will hopefully be available (on Monday)”@m8arteta speaks on @emilesmithrowe's fitness 💪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 7, 2023
Arsenal has a small squad and will have to make do with the options he has. On a positive note, Emile Smith Rowe might return to the matchday squad and even get a start. On the other hand, Arteta should be okay with starting his usual attackers, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, meaning Marquinhos could get a runout.
Eddie Nketiah could keep his place to gain sharpness in the attack. In midfield, Arteta will likely rest his Premier League regulars. Instead, Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira will start, while their defence will overhaul.
Arteta may look to retain Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence, although he can play Takehiro Tomiyasu in his place. Rob Holding is sure to start alongside Cedric Soares and Kieran Tierney. Finally, Matt Turner will replace Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Turner; Cedric, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney; Vieira, Elneny, Lokonga; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Smith Rowe
Key Stats
- Oxford have gone past the third round three times in the last six seasons.
- Oxford have never gone beyond the fifth round in their history while beating Premier League opposition only once in eight FA Cup clashes.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last three away trips in all competitions.
- Arsenal’s last 13 FA Cup games against teams in the third tier or below have ended in victory.
- Arsenal can win a potential fifth FA Cup in ten seasons, which could also become Mikel Arteta’s second as Gunners manager.
Player to Watch
Emile Smith Rowe
🗣 “Emilovic is back!"
😊 “Training day, with my captain, happy days!”
Let’s go, @emilesmithrowe 🔥
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 8, 2023
Amid all the transfer distractions led by Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Emile Smith Rowe will return as a timely boost to Mikel Arteta’s squad. The attacker has remained absent for a prolonged period with a severe problem. But his comeback will provide more solutions to the manager heading into a crucial part of the season.
Additionally, it could not have been a better game to mark a return, as Smith Rowe could use the Oxford clash as a warm-up for future games. Whether he can help Arsenal secure a third-round victory remains the question. But he surely would provide a different dimension to their current options.
Prediction
Oxford United 0-3 Arsenal
The Gunners are the second-most prolific team in the Premier League. And although Arsenal will enter this FA Cup clash with a much-changed lineup, they will prove overwhelming for Oxford. So naturally, Mikel Arteta will be keen to avoid the mistakes of last season. But by far, the Gunners have nothing to worry about.
Oxford could use this clash as a test of their character and put up a fight. Arsenal, however, will prove too decisive for the League One side and secure a comfortable victory, where they could score at least three goals with no response. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Mikel Arteta’s charges.
