FA Cup Arsenal vs Reading: Thoughts on the Wembley visit

   Its Matchday and a big one. Because the occasion is FA Cup semifinal at the Wembley. Every team of top 2 tier, when setting their targets at the start of the season, puts Wembley visit on their list. For big teams like Arsenal, it is a bare minimum target.

   Wenger's men won this famous old cup last season quietening the talk of 'nine years without trophy' and getting a monkey of their back. Now they are in no mood to give it back and wants to keep hold of their cup. They have endured the long adventure and are just 2 victories away from holding the possession of the trophy till 2016.

   They face challenge of  Reading in their pursuit of defending the title and booking a place for the summit clash. The Royals are making an appearance at this stage after a gap of 88 years, a few short of century. In this circumstances, two things are possible - being overawed by the occasion and playing nervous or realizing the opportunity and playing match of their life. Their recent run of six winless match suggests that the bug has infected their mind. They have been thinking about the game and are likely to give their all without holding anything back.

   If they play with a good head on their shoulder, then they have enough in their armoury to cause problems to gunners. Championship side generally play direct football and I don't think they are going to be any different today. Steve Clarke know what to expect from Arsenal and which is lots of possession and midfield domination. He is very much likely to prepare his team for 'parking the bus football' that is sitting back without ball and counter-attacking with it.

My predicted lineup for today

   But Arsenal are sort of expert in detonating this kind of buses and finding their way to goal. They are one of the most in-form team on the continent and have overcome challenges of heavyweights like Manchester United and Liverpool in their current run of 7 wins in all competitions. Besides the obvious football skills, they have displayed all the qualities like ruthlessness, efficiency, fight, resilience, et al which are reminiscent of a team on song.

   The Londoners are also boosted by return of players from injuries. Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Debuchy are back and are certain to be in the 18 men squad. Important players like Ramsey, Sanchez, Ozil, Giroud and Santi are playing at their best. So Wenger is certain to have a selection headache ahead of the tie.

   Final Words. Arsenal will win it scoring more than 2 goals. Reading will bin their shape after they concede. Ozil will put on a masterclass. My predicted lineup may also be binned by Le Professeur. But I dont care for that unless we win it.

   We are the famous Arsenal are we are going to Wembley!