Arsenal vs Brighton: Match Preview

   What a day it was yesterday! All the  teams in action who are above Arsenal in the league standings namely Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and  Southampton all lost. Manchester United didn't had the same fate but they were held to 4th round replay against lower-league side Cambridge. This series of Results has made Arsenal and Manchester United favourite for the Cup Glory! Since we are the defending Champions, I'll say, its our Cup to lose now!
   Moving on, Its Matchday for Arsenal! In defense of their title, they'll be playing Brighton in the FA Cup 4th round tie away from home after a gap of 2 years. Incidentally, the last trip we made in FA Cup was also at this very same venue in this very same stage of the competition. As we all know that with some great good luck in draw, we played all the  matches at home last season. But now Whether home or away, it doesn't make much difference.
   On a run of 3 win in all competitions and with a magnificent performance against the mighty city at the Etihad last week, the Gunners are brimming with sky high confidence. In this run, they have scored 7 goals and conceded none.
   On the other hand, the opposition are also in good form with 3 win in 4 matches. Now managed by former Norwich City boss Chris Hughton, they are expected to be defensively strict like their boss' previous teams. He has often caused troubles to Arsenal and has also masterminded a few 1-0 wins with the the Canaries and the magpies against them. So I expect a disciplined performance from the Seagulls.
   Regarding playing XI, Wenger generally uses games against lower league sides to Blood youngsters but this time he will make use of this opportunity to give game time to the players returning from injury as he said “As you saw on Sunday, I had a very strong bench. Many of these players will play, but it will absolutely be the first-team squad, a top-level squad. There’s big competition at the moment for places in the team, and some players will have an opportunity to show that they are ready to play again.” He also informed beforehand that Özil is likely to start today. I think he should start Rosicky, and Walcott as well. And Flamini who has been left to fringes by some classy performance from compatriot Coquelin. Ospina may be given unwanted rest and Szczesny may start.
   Here's my predicted playing XI
Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Walcott, Özil, Rosicky/Ramsey/Chamberlain (any 2); Giroud
We may have likes of Santi, Sanchez, Maitland-Niles and Coquelin on the bench. Gnabry may also feature with them.
   Let's see that tonight. And finally my prediction is of a 3-0 thrashing for Brighton.
(Quotes courtesy www.arsenal.com)