Arsenal have only lost once to Sunderland in their last 22 meetings, in an FA Cup fifth-round tie in 2012. So much emphasis has also been put on Champions League qualification for the teams at the top, whilst those nearer the bottom focus on staying in a league that brings such high revenue.
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It doesn’t give us the opportunity to play the strongest team at Arsenal, but of course it does give a fantastic opportunity to some of the squad players, and I think that some of those squad players are some of the most expensive players we’ve bought.
A four-time FA Cup victor with Chelsea, Cech is hoping to help Arsenal win the FA Cup for the third year running – a feat last achieved by Blackburn Rovers between 1884 and 1886.
Cech certainly has the experience to make a difference in a Cup Final, so it will be very interesting to see if Arsene Wenger even picks Petr to play his weekend as Le Prof has traditionally played his substitute keeper in all the cup games. The second match seems more important, with both sides hardly able to afford losing more ground to leaders Arsenal.
The potential for so-called “giant killings” in the third round isn’t as big as in many previous years.
With survival in, or promotion to, the money-spinning Premier League the priority these days, however, the gloss has been taken off the FA Cup in recent years, although it remains a cherished piece of silverware.
Speaking with TalkSport, Allardici said “That is him [Klopp] asking his players to play a high-tempo pressing game from the top end”.
Sunderland remain in the relegation zone despite Saturday’s win over Aston Villa, with the trip to Swansea – two points and places above them – a significant one.
Watford have made it abundantly clear that Ighalo, and strike-partner Troy Deeney, will not be leaving in January as the Hornets look to continue their project- which has seen them impress in the top-flight this term.
Pickford is the bright home grown prospect and current first choice Costel Pantilimon is facing genuine competition. Chelsea have had a disastrous season, going from Champions to hovering just above the drop zone.
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Sunderland are ready to start playing Pickford next season to stop big clubs coming in as Manchester United have already been sniffing around. The Old Trafford board could be getting twitchy and casting a wishful gaze toward Pep Guardiola, so if anyone needs to win the FA Cup, it’s Van Gaal.
