The Arsenal vs Tottenham FA cup match will be played this Saturday, January 4, 2014 (9:15 AM Pacific), at the Emirates stadium. This is the 3rd round of the FA cup competition. Both teams come into this match after midweek wins. Arsenal gave Cardiff a harder time than expected with the late goals of Bendtner and Walcott, and Tottenham again made it on the Old Trafford – after a 2:3 score last season, the previous game finished 1:2.
In this match it is likely that both coaches will rest some of the first team regulars, but since this is a London derby, the game will surely be very competitive, no matter who plays for the fierce rivals.
Both teams are playing in a rather fine form. In the EPL, after Boas’ sacking, Tottenham currently have a streak of 4 games without a loss, only drawing to West Bromvich at home. Sherwood managed to revive Adebayor and Ericssen, who were pretty much out of the plans of former manager Boas. Ericssen and Adebayor have shown their gratitude for playing time with the best way there is – they produced some fine displays, and scored goals.
Arsenal have 3 wins in a row in the EPL, and they are still at the top of the league. But, both Wenger and Sherwood have huge problems with injured players.
Niclas Bendtner scored in the 89th minute against Cardiff, but his foot got stuck under the Cardiff goalkeeper and he twisted his ankle. He will be out of action for 3 weeks, and with Sanogo and Giroud also in the treatment room, Arsenal can only count on only recently recovered Podolski and Walcott who could possibly play at the forward spot. Gibbs, Ozil, Ramsey and Diaby are also out, but long term injured Alex Oxlade Chemberlain could make it to the bench for this game. If he plays, that will be his first game from August, when he got injured.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have bigger problems in defense. Their injury list consists of Vertonghen, Sandro, Paulinho, Kaboul, Defoe, Townsend, and Adebayor picked up a light injury against United, so it is expected that he won’t feature in this match, as a precaution. Danny Rose will probably start as a left back, and Nacer Chadli as a center forward.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction
We expect a somewhat lighter approach from both teams, since this is a cup match, and the January schedule is very tight. But, since Arsenal and Tottenham are fierce rivals, both teams will play for the win.
Considering all the facts, it is expected that the game would be open, with a lot of goals, and the prediction is that the Arsenal will win this match 2-1.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Television
The match will be televised this Saturday (9:15 AM Pacific) on Fox and Fox Deportes.
