THE most eagerly-anticipated FA Cup tie of the weekend sees Arsenal entertain local rivals Spurs, with Gunners forward Theo Walcott warning the Lilywhites that it is a "bad time" for them to visit the Emirates. Spurs are unbeaten under new manager Tim Sherwood, who replaced Andre Villas-Boas last month, but Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table after three wins and a draw over the Christmas period. When asked if he thought it was a bad time to face Tottenham, Walcott replied: "It's going to be a bad time to play us as well." He added that Arsenal were determined not to be beaten on their own turf and held the competition in high regard. "We're trying to make our stadium into a fortress," he explained. "And we are starting to do that." Walcott also insisted that he, for one, was fully committed to the idea of the FA Cup, despite comments from Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, who told the BBC that most Premier League clubs could do without the "distraction" of the competition. "The FA Cup is always special for me, being English. I love the FA Cup," said Walcott. However, the Daily Telegraph claims that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger may not be as enthusiastic about the cup and is prepared to blood some second string players in the clash on Saturday evening. It suggests that he will play teenager Gedion Zelalem, who is still only 16 but lit up Arsenal's pre-season tour of the Far East. The young midfielder, who has been compared to Cesc Fabregas, recently returned from injury and has been training with the first team. "Wenger has injury problems in midfield, with Aaron Ramsey out, Mesut Ozil unlikely to be risked and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still not ready to make a playing return," says the paper, outlining the reasons for picking the teenager. "Jack Wilshere played two games in four days against Newcastle and Cardiff, and may need a rest."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
How much of a blow is ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu?Today's Big Question Action by Hague court damages Israel's narrative that Gaza conflict is a war between 'good and evil'
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in painThe Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
-
'The Hum': the real-life noise behind The ListenersIn The Spotlight Can some of us also hear the disturbing sound that plagues characters in the hit TV show – and where is it coming from?
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium earlyTalking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictionsfeature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at playersfeature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
-
Pros and cons of VAR in footballPros and Cons String of mistakes has put new technology under the microscope
-
Can Arsenal really win the Premier League title?feature How the pundits reacted after the Gunners’ late 3-2 victory over Man Utd
-
Tottenham vs. Arsenal predictions: race for the Premier League top fourfeature Expect a ‘seismic’ north London derby with Champions League qualification on the line
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assaultSpeed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pantsSpeed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
