Having dispatched Manchester United at Old Trafford, courtesy of a deliciously ironic Danny Welbeck winner against his former club in March, Arsenal sealed their passage to Wembley in the FA Cup for the second year running. However, the manager will have something of a selection dillema on his hands, with the significant decision to be made over whether he sticks with the Premier League's in-form team, or whether he uses the cup as an opportunity for squad rotation. Here is a predicted XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper:
Wojiech Szczesny: After losing his place as first team goalkeeper at the start of this calendar year, the Pole became Arsenal's cup keeper. He is one of the few names almost certainly expected to start.
Defence:
Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs: The two full-backs are full of pace, and are likely to start to counteract Reading's direct style of play. The 20-year-old Spaniard has been in good form of late, and Kieran Gibbs hasn't had a start in a while so will be looking to shine. Mertesacker and Koscielny have looked like the partnership of last year, and their recent consistency should win them starts too.
Defensive midfield:
Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla: The two have enjoyed a rich vein of form, with the Frenchman contributing impressively on a disciplined defensive level. Cazorla partnering him as a deep lying playmaker has got forward well, and is really undroppable right now as he has a good connection with his teammate and gets forward without neglecting his defensive duties.
Attacking midfield:
Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez: This attacking trio has been in unbelievable form, connecting well with each other and contributing goals and assists in recent matches. Aaron Ramsey on the right has been a surprise inclusion lately but has worked with the Welshman being involved in four goals in as many games. Mesut Ozil has looked back in top form playing in that number ten role behind the striker, and Alexis Sanchez's work off the ball, clinical finishing and vision makes him almost undroppable too.
Forward:
Danny Welbeck: Given the recent form of Olivier Giroud, this may be a controversial choice. However, if you remember last year, Arsene Wenger opted to stick with Sanogo despite Giroud's availability for the semi-final. Welbeck led the line at Old Trafford, and given his lack of game time recently, could well lead the line again at Wembley.