Arsenal - Leeds United FA Cup January 9th 2012

We all knew that Leeds would get one of the "big four" in the cup, they miss us in the Premier League, that seems obvious since they always get us, and scum fans even find it important to sing about us a random games in Fulham, Sunderland and so on - but don't worry "big four", we'll be back soon!

Around the same time last year we visited the emirates to play Arsenal in the FA Cup, and if Walcot hadn't been a diving twat we would have gone through, but after 1-1 away, they beat us 1-3 at ER and went through.
I can't really see any reason that we should want to beat Arsenal, apart from the massive media hype it would bring, but I feel that we need to focus on the league and on getting our form going there again. With that being said it would of course be funny to beat them!

Arsenal have re-signed Thierry Henry from NY Red Bull and he is ready to face us, his record against Leeds is 11 games 11 goals, so wonderful to see him back in the line up - NOT! Apart from Henry I think Arsenal will give some reserves a chance, but they should still be able to field a pretty strong team.

Leeds have gone for most of the season without to many injuries but have be hit by a few recently, Snoddy, Kisnorbo (season ending!),Bruce, Bromby & Howson are definitely and Lees will have to prove his fitness today or tomorrow, hopefully he is ready or we'll have trouble finding a central defence.
I have earlier stated that Simon Graysons days at Leeds might be numbered, but I can't see him getting the sack after this game - win, lose or draw, this is a "bonus" game and I am sure that SG will also be LUFC manager in London in two weeks against Palace, by that time hopefully with a few new faces in the team.

Loan signing Andros Townsend looked impressive against Burnley last week and he will be able to feature against Gunners so I am looking forward to seeing him live, since the game will be shown on Danish tv. In my opinion we should start like this: Lonergan, Thompson, Lees (if fit), O'Dea, White, Sam, Clayton, Pugh, Townsend, McCormack & Becchio and then have a few youngster like Gimpel and Turner twins in the bench, would do them good to get a taste of the big time.

My guess for a result is maybe marked a bit by my optimism and love for Leeds, I think we will win 2-1 goals from Townsend and Becchio - But like I said the important thing is the league, so lets just enjoy this game and look forward to these kind of games coming every week! Marching on together, make us proud Leeds!

A little video of the 1972 final (one of my Leeds friends actually have the whole game in audio on a vinyl)