Perhaps a chance to take a break from the busy schedule that has come to be associated with the premier league. Teams from all over England are preparing themselves to meet in the FA Cup. There promise to be quite some upsets and some assertion of superiority by teams from the premier league over the championship. However, one thing that the FA cup is known for is the uncertainty of the cup itself. Among the matches played, Blackpool against Arsenal promises to be an entertaining fixture.
Gone are the days of the unbeaten run earlier this season, Arsenal are back to earth already. Losing 5-1 to Liverpool would have definitely contributed. Arsenal would be desperate not to go out of another competition. Their best two options to win a trophy this season is through the FA Cup and the Europa League. They would want to stamp their authority early on in this game. Blackpool, on the other hand, would be aware that getting past this arsenal team would definitely not be an easy one. Granted, they would expect Arsenal to roll in the rotation. However, will it be enough for Blackpool to have a shot at winning this game? Anything can happen.
This would also be new ground for Unai Emery who would be coaching a team in the FA Cup for the first time in his career. However, he would be no doubt looking for a way to ensure that it gets off to a winning start.
When it comes to the form of both teams, they both are in a rough patch. Blackpool seems worse off. They have only managed to win one game in their last six matches. The other matches have ended in four losses and a draw. It is clear that they would need to gather form on the day if they are to beat Arsenal. Arsenal, on the other hand, has been struggling of late. They have won just two of their last six games in all competition. They have also lost three and drawn one. Arsenal would surely not be comfortable with the state of their current form and they would be looking to make amends by winning this match against Blackpool. History would also seem to be on the Gunner's side. In their last nine encounters against Blackpool, Arsenal is yet to lose a single game. They have so far drawn two and won seven. It has been fourteen matches played since the last time that Blackpool won a team from the premier league. This would certainly boost Arsenal's morale ahead of this game.
You can expect Unai Emery to ring in the changes in this match. However, despite the changes, you can expect the likes of Ozil who is out with a knee injury, Monreal who is out with hamstring and Bellerin to sit out of this one. Unai Emery is unlikely to feel their absence for this game though as they would have sat on the bench if they were fit anyways.