Arsenal vs Everton English FA Cup 08-03-2014

Arsenal vs Everton - Competition: 2013/2014 English FA Cup, 6th Round
Match date: 8 March 2014 - Kick Off Time: 12:45 GMT - 13:45 CET
 

After another difficult February for Arsenal, it appears their best chance at ending an eight-year trophy drought is the F.A. Cup. Entering this weekend's quarterfinal against Everton, all is on the line for Arsene Wenger and his tiring troops, as anything but a win here would add heaps of fuel to the critics' fire, not to mention incurring the wrath of their own supporters. The Gunners fell to Stoke City 1-0 last weekend, casting doubt on their Premier League title pursuit. It was another baffling lineup thrown out to start for the hosts, as their most in-form attacker Oxlade-Chamberlain and 40-million-pound man Mesut Ozil both rode the bench for the game's majority in favor of out-of-form Santi Cazorla and hit-or-miss Lukas Podolski. Furthermore, in a game where physicality was always going to be at a premium, Arsenal's enforcer Flamini sat out the match's entirety. Fans are growing restless with Wenger's decisions, and the Frenchman will know that a win here is vital to restoring confidence and to gaining momentum for their Champions League clash in Munich this Tuesday.

• Probable lineups Arsenal: Fabianski – Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal – Flamini, Wilshere – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla – Podolski.

Everton enter this quarterfinal match at the Emirates Stadium off the back of a hard-fought victory against West Ham United last weekend. The return of Romelu Lukaku proved the difference as the big Belgian netted the winner once again for his loan team. Previously, the Toffees had really been suffering in front of goal, netting just 2 goals in 4 league games. But timing is on their side with Lukaku's return, and this match may hinge upon his matchup against strong defensive pairing Koscielny and Mertesacker. The Toffee defence has its own reason to boast though, as they are tied with Manchester City for the 2nd least amount of goals conceded. Distin and Howard appear defiant upon giving in to their many years, but it is important to note that Phil Jagielka faces a late fitness test for this match and is right now considered doubtful. This is Everton's last chance at a trophy this season, so expect a dogfight here with a slight advantage to the hosts. 

• Probable lineups Everton: Joel – Coleman, Stones, Alcaraz, Baines – Barry, Osman – McGeady, Barkley, Mirallas – Lukaku.

Venue: Emirates Stadium - London, England 

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

Categories: English Premier League