On Sunday, Middlesborough face the daunting prospect of an FA Cup visit to the holder's Arsenal. Boro, though, do know how to pull off a cup upset; in the last round they beat the Premier League holders Manchester City.
Arsenal got to the fifth round for the fifth time in five years after a tough 3-2 away win at Brighton. Since that win on January 25th, Arsenal have had two wins from three. Arsenal's tough North London Derby loss to Spurs last Saturday was sandwiched in-between a 5-0 over Aston Villa and a 2-1 win over Leicester.
Since Middlesborough's historic win over Manchester City three weeks ago they have had a perfect record in the Championship, with wins over Brentford, Blackpool and Charlton. These wins have taken Aitor Karanka's side top of the Championship as they try to seal promotion to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2009.
Team news:
Gabriel could make his Arsenal debut against Boro, despite Arsene Wenger saying that his lack of English could prove costly at the beginning of his Arsenal career. Ramsey, who was injured on Tuesday night against Leicester, is out for two weeks so is therefore ruled out for the game against Boro. Sanchez, who was also injured in that game, could play some part against Middlesbrough though. Wilshere, who is back in training, may not play a part just yet though.
Daniel Ayala is out with injury, with Forshaw and Kalas joint him on the sidelines due to bring ineligible to play in the cup.
Key stats:
- This is the eighth time Arsenal and Middlesbrough have been drawn together in the FA Cup, with Arsenal winning five of the previous seven (once after a replay) and Middlesbrough two.
- Middlesbrough have won just two of their last 12 FA Cup matches against top flight opponents (W2 D3 L7).
- Middlesbrough’s last four FA Cup matches have all ended with a 2-0 scoreline in favour of the away team (two won, two lost).
- Four of their last six meetings have ended in 1-1 draws.
- Arsenal have not lost in their last eight FA Cup matches.
