League One Oxford United face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the FA Cup Third Round, as the U's look to cause an upset. 

The hosts for Monday night's showdown overcame National League side Woking in the First Round, before easing past Exeter City to set up a glourious tie against England's top side. 

Karl Robinson's side sit in the bottom half of England's third tier, with just one win in their last five matches. 

However, with Oxford having recent history of knocking out Premier League opposition, the U's fans will have high hopes going into the game. 

Arsenal go into the game off the back of a stalemate against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The 14 times winners of the FA Cup have only lost one league game this season under Mikel Arteta, and will be looking for a cup run after being knocked out of the League Cup by Brighton in recent weeks.

  • Team News 

Oxford United 

Whilst goalkeeper Simon Eastwood has returned from injury of late, the U's are likely to continue with Edward McGinty between the sticks after performing well.

 

Marcus Browne is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, whilst Kyle Joseph and Sam Baldock are doubts after recently returning to training.

After a relatively poor result at home to Exeter on New Year's Day, Yellows boss Karl Robinson may be looking to make changes in order to see improvement from his side.

Arsenal 

With Mikel Arteta focused on a title race in the Premier League, the Gunners are likely to make several changes. 

Gabriel Jesus is still out until at least the end of February, with Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith-Rowe also doubts for the game at the Kassam Stadium, however the former could find himself on the bench if Arteta deems him fit enough. 

Matt Turner is likely to start for Arsenal, with Arteta also likely to give starts to Fabio Viera and Kieran Tierney, who have struggled for game time this season.

Albert Sambi Lokonga and Rob Holding are also likely to make a start for the Gunners, who will look to rest players ahead of a North London Derby next weekend.

  • Predicted Lineups 

Oxford:(4-3-3)McGinty,Brown,Long,Moore,Findlay,Bate, McGuane,Brannagan,Murphy, Bodin,Taylor.

Arsenal:(4-3-3)Turner,Tierney,Holding,Gabriel,Cedric,Viera,Lokonga, Xhaka,Marquinhos,Nketiah,Martinelli.

  • Key Players

Oxford - Lewis Bate

Leeds United loanee Bate has started all but three league games in the third tier for Oxford, with the 20-year-old starting to make a name for himself. 

Oxford boss Karl Robinson labelled the midfielder as "one of the best" he has worked with, with the former MK Dons manager having worked with players such as Dele Ali. Therefore, Bate has earned the highest of praise from his manager.

 

The former Chelsea youngster Bate has made four first team appearances for Leeds, including an appearance against his former side.

Playing in more of a defensive role, the former England youth international has cemented his place in Robinson's starting eleven after a good run of games in the middle of the park. 

Whilst results have not been consistent for Oxford, having Bate amongst their ranks for this season is a huge benefit, especially in a game against a Premier League side, which he already has experience of whilst playing for Leeds.

Arsenal - Fabio Viera

Assuming he starts for the Gunners, it could be a chance for Fabio Viera to shine in a Arsenal shirt with an FA Cup run, starting at the Kassam Stadium tonight. 

The Portuguese attacking midfielder arrived from FC Porto in the summer, in a deal worth £35 million.

Viera played just over 50 games for the Portuguese giants, scoring eight goals whilst in the Liga Nos.

 

However, the 22-year-old has been struggling for game time at the Emirates Stadium this season, after an incredible run in the Premier League has made places in the starting eleven hard to come by. 

The midfielder may have started regularly in seasons gone by when the club were struggling, however with Martin Ødegaard in such good form this season, it would be hard to leave the Norweigan out of Mikel Arteta's starting lineup. 

Nevertheless, when the given the chance Viera has stepped up to the challenge, and will be looking to impress his boss once again if given the chance against the League One side.

  • Match Details

Where is the match being played?

Oxford United's Kassam Stadium is the venue for tonight's game in the FA Cup, with the U's being backed by a sold out home crowd under the lights. 

What time is kick off?

The Third Round tie kicks off at 20:00 GMT at the Kassam. 

How can I watch?

ITV will be showing tonight's game, with the game also available on ITVx online.