Saturday, January 5, 2008

Burnley vs Arsenal FA Cup Preview

Burnley vs Arsenal third round match of FA Cup is now the main attraction to the fans of both sides. They are going to face each other in a crucial match of the FA Cup match. The winner will get the ticket of the next round. The match will be held at the home ground of Burnley on 6 January. It is true that Arsenal is favorite for this match. However, Burnley has the reputation as a giant killer. In 2005, they defeated Liverpool in the third round of FA Cup to progress to the next round.

BBC reported:
Burnley are looking for a repeat of their third round feat on 18 January 2005 when they claimed a "big four" scalp. An under strength Liverpool were knocked out 1-0, through a Djimi Traore own goal.
You have to go back to pre-Wenger days to find when Arsenal were last knocked out by lower league opposition; second level Sheffield United dismissed Bruce Rioch's side 1-0 in a third round replay at Bramall Lane on 17 January 1996.
This is one of eight Premier League against Championship ties in the third round.

Burnley has lost four out of their last six matches which indicates their poor form. In contrast, Arsenal now leads the league point table with 50 points. Arsenal has won FA Cup 10 times in the past and only Manchester Untied has claimed the title more than more than 10 times. Burnley has won FA Cup once in the history in 1913-1914 season.

Wenger will feature Jens Lehmann in the match whereas William Gallas and Gael Clichy will be rested for this match. Emmanuel Adebayor is suffering from hamstring injury and Robin van Persie has not got back his match fitness yet. For Burnley, Clarke Carlisle will miss the clash with Arsenal and Alan Mahon is also doubtful for the match. However, Joey Gudjonsson and John Spicer will be available for the match against Arsenal.

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