Manager Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are entering the defining amount of their season, but sees no reason why his side shouldn't be confident of winning the Champions League whenever they knock out Bayern Munich. The Gunners host Blackburn in the fifth round from the FA Cup inside firstly a run of games which will see them tackle the German giants while also facing Barclays Premier League rivals Tottenham and Everton in what could prove to be crucial for their hopes of breaking into the highest four.
When Arsenal return through the Allianz Arena on March 13, the outlook of their campaign could possibly be still on course for fulfillment or with little rather than wounded pride left to experiment with for. Wenger has enjoyed his very own love affair with all the FA Cup, winning our planet's oldest knockout competition four times between 1998 and 2005. The Arsenal manager is determined to stop a second cup shock in the same season after crashing out of the Capital Single serving on penalties at Bradford.
Arsenal have fitness concerns over England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who discontinued at Sunderland a couple weeks ago being a precaution more than a thigh problem. Captain Thomas Vermaelen must be back from his ankle problem, but fellow defender Laurent Koscielny (calf) will probably be assessed. Ivory Coast forward Gervinho may be in contention following the African Nations Cup.
Arsenal have fitness concerns over England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who discontinued at Sunderland a couple weeks ago being a precaution more than a thigh problem. Captain Thomas Vermaelen must be back from his ankle problem, but fellow defender Laurent Koscielny (calf) will probably be assessed. Ivory Coast forward Gervinho may be in contention following the African Nations Cup.
Meanwhile, Michael Appleton believes the pressure is off Blackburn when they go the Emirates Stadium. Rovers have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes considering that the former Portsmouth manager opted to leave Blackpool and succeed ex-Norway international Henning Berg while in the Ewood Park hotseat. The 1-1 draw with Brighton in midweek extended their unbeaten run to five matches and moved them nearly eighth in the npower Championship table, six points journey final play-off place.
That streak provides a 3-0 away make an impression on Derby that helped Appleton's side, relegated in the Barclays Premier League last term, earn a fifth-round tie against the Gunners. With all the pressure building on Rovers to try to earn promotion time for the highest flight in the first attempt, Appleton insists the cup is often a welcome distraction. However, with Arsenal currently over a five-match unbeaten run that belongs to them, Appleton knows his players employ a tough test on his or her hands.
Blackburn will likely be without Josh Morris and DJ Campbell for any holiday to London. Midfielder Morris is cup-tied following his involvement in the earlier rounds throughout loan at Rotherham and Campbell, borrowed from QPR, also featured for his parent club. But Appleton could hand Lee Williamson his debut following the midfielder joined the club with a free transfer a couple weeks ago.
Jordan Rhodes broke his nose against Ipswich but was fit to feature while in the draw for the Amex Stadium and is particularly set to go on at first. David Dunn's calf injury leaves him sidelined together with Joshua King, Grant Hanley (both hamstring), Leon Best and Dickson Etuhu (both knee).
That streak provides a 3-0 away make an impression on Derby that helped Appleton's side, relegated in the Barclays Premier League last term, earn a fifth-round tie against the Gunners. With all the pressure building on Rovers to try to earn promotion time for the highest flight in the first attempt, Appleton insists the cup is often a welcome distraction. However, with Arsenal currently over a five-match unbeaten run that belongs to them, Appleton knows his players employ a tough test on his or her hands.
Blackburn will likely be without Josh Morris and DJ Campbell for any holiday to London. Midfielder Morris is cup-tied following his involvement in the earlier rounds throughout loan at Rotherham and Campbell, borrowed from QPR, also featured for his parent club. But Appleton could hand Lee Williamson his debut following the midfielder joined the club with a free transfer a couple weeks ago.
Jordan Rhodes broke his nose against Ipswich but was fit to feature while in the draw for the Amex Stadium and is particularly set to go on at first. David Dunn's calf injury leaves him sidelined together with Joshua King, Grant Hanley (both hamstring), Leon Best and Dickson Etuhu (both knee).
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