Prediction: Arsenal vs Middlesbrough

Premier League giants Arsenal will be looking to avoid the destiny of Manchester City and see off Middlesbrough to continue their title defence in the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough arrive at the Emirates buoyed by the Etihad triumph and an excellent run of results that saw them climb to the Championship summit.

Seeing as it was the FA Cup title that ended the long trophy drought for Arsenal, chances are the Gunners will treat this competition very seriously in the next period. The Emirates outfit started this year’s campaign brightly, defeating last year’s finalists Hull City at home before beating Brighton on the road, and fifth round draw appears to have been kind on them. However, it is clear that Arsenal cannot afford to relax after seeing Middlesbrough defeat reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Etihad in the previous round. Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he will use the opportunity to rest some of his star men, with David Ospina set to make way for Wojciech Szczesny and Alexis Sanchez unlikely to be risked after suffering a knee problem in weekend’s victory over Leicester City. January recruit Gabriel Paulista is almost certain to be handed his debut, whilst Danny Welbeck, Calum Chambers, Kieran Gibbs, Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Flamini are expected to start as well. But, despite the much changed side, the Gunners will be very motivated to make it to the quarter-finals, and chances are they will take Middlesbrough seriously after their heroics at the Etihad.

Middlesbrough chiefs took quite a gamble with Spanish coach Aitor Karanka midway through last season, handing him his first ever managerial job, but the decision paid off bid time as Boro have since made tremendous progress. The 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in the Capital One Cup hinted Boro could go on an achieve great things this term, while some consistent displays in the Championship gave Aitor Karanka’s charges plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the FA Cup fourth round clash at Etihad. Even so, nobody thought that Middlesbrough would be able to match their more illustrious opponents, but the visitors ran out deserved winners, having outclassed a very strong Manchester City side. Boro have since continued with impressive performances, winning next three league fixtures to climb to the top of the standings in the Championship, and they are now hoping to further raise club’s profile with a strong performance against Arsenal. Teesside graduate Jonathan Woodgate marked his return into action with a goal in the 2-1 win over Blackpool, but Daniel Ayala is set for a three-week spell on the sidelines, and Tomas Kalas is ineligible. Ryan Fredericks and George Friend should return.

Conclusion

Even if Arsene Wenger is set to make wholesale changes to his squad, Arsenal will have plenty of quality in all areas of the pitch, but it won’t be easy for them to pip red-hot Middlesbrough to a place in the quarter-finals. With the visitors having nothing to lose, they can be expected to adopt a positive approach and we should in turn witness a high-scoring match.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: William Hill