It was an exciting football weekend last week but this weekend could see major hopes take a tumble in the English FA Cup
By Brandon Era
Everything seems to be going according to script. Arsenal is still ahead by a point at the top of the table. Manchester City has continued to dominate with their incredible goal-scoring record.
Chelsea has the notion and capability to challenge for the league title as well. Liverpool are looking pretty at fourth with no more doubt in mind and a so-far resurgent Tottenham under Tim Sherwood seems to be using star striker Emmanuel Adebayor in the right way.
And, of course, last season’s champions, the not-so-red-hot Devils of Manchester United, are still flailing about under David Moyes, especially after the 3-1 thumping they recently received from Chelsea.
The English FA Cup has had a reputation of giant-slaying for years, and I’m hoping that the script sticks to tradition.
Put All Your Eggs in One Basket?
That old saying is something up for debate in the Arsenal dressing room. Sure, it has been a long time since the Gunners have won any silverware. It’s also true, and beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this season is Arsenal’s to lose.
With the signing of Mesut Ozil and the possible signing of Schalke youngster Julian Draxler, we have seen Arsene Wenger recognise the recent talent surge in German players. Perhaps he’ll depart from the need to have a new French player each season.
But should he focus all his energy on winning the league, or should he weigh his options in the FA Cup and the Champions League as well?
Personally, I think that this is the season for Arsenal to bring home the league title. If not, there won’t be another golden opportunity like this.
Arsenal is currently the only club in the running with a manager and squad that hasn’t been rocked by the transfer market. We’ve seen Manuel Pellegrini take over City, Mourinho return to Chelsea, Moyes struggling at United and even Brendan Rogers has only helmed Liverpool for a short time.
And, let’s be very, very honest, against a side like Bayern Munich, I really don’t fancy Arsenal’s hopes in the Champions League. Call me a pessimist but I like to think of myself as more of a realist. I love Arsenal to death, but Bayern will indeed be a true test.
The Gunners face Coventry City
at home and, as long as Wenger decides that he still wants to have the FA Cup as possible silverware this season, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be a routine win over the League One side.
The Rest of the Chasing Pack
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all in action this weekend in the FA Cup as well. The Reds will travel to AFC Bournemouth in the fourth-round action of the FA Cup, while City hosts Watford at the Etihad Stadium.
Pellegrini’s men will be looking forward to decimating Championship side Watford, especially with the return of Sergio Aguero.Last but not least, Chelsea probably has the toughest of all the draws here, having to take on Premier League side Stoke on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho will be looking to advance his standing with Chelsea as he seeks to mastermind his way past a very physical and dominant presence that Stoke will bring to Stamford Bridge.
Will another giant fall?
Left photo: Fingerhut
Right photo: Dziurek
Photos from Shutterstock.com
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