For the third successive round, Arsenal face lower league opposition in the FA Cup, but they visit Leyton Orient determined to avoid a repeat of their previous bruising encounters, which saw Arsene Wenger's side taken to a replay by Leeds United in the third round and pushed all the way by Huddersfield Town in a narrow 2-1 fourth-round victory.
The Gunners go into the game on the crest of a wave after their impressive midweek Champions League defeat of Barcelona, but despite still being in the running for the Quadruple, the Carling Cup finalists should not underestimate an Orient outfit who are unbeaten in 11 games and have scored ten goals in their last three, a run that has seen them ascend towards the League One play-off places.
Meetings between Orient and Arsenal have been unsurprisingly rare, as the O's have only spent one season in the English top flight in their history. The most famous clash came in 1978 when the Gunners romped to 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory thanks to goals from Malcolm MacDonald and Graham Rix, though Terry Neill's side were subsequently beaten by Ipswich in the final.
Wenger will ring the changes for the visit to Brisbane Road, with Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie almost certain to be rested. Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner are likely to replace the Gunners' star quartet.
Arsenal's second string still boasts considerably more quality than Russell Slade's Orient, though the former Brighton boss has built a disciplined side with plenty of heart since taking over at the back end of last season and steering the O's clear of relegation. They produced a remarkably resilient display to come from two goals down to beat Droylsden 8-2 in the third round, while Championship high-fliers Norwich and Swansea were put to the sword in rounds three and four respectively, proof that Orient do have ability as well as fight. And in Scott McGleish, they have the FA Cup's current top scorer - he bagged six goals across three games against Dagenham and Redbridge and Droylsden.
Orient chairman Barry Hearn this week took advantage of the exposure afforded to the club by the FA Cup spotlight, airing his displeasure at the decision to award West Ham preferred bidding status for the Olympic Stadium, which is located deep in the O's catchment area. Hearn expressed his fear that the Hammers' arrival in Leyton Orient territory could force the League One side into extinction, but an Olympic effort from Slade's charges against Arsenal will bring the club some precious positive publicity.
Leyton Orient player to watch: Jimmy Smith
A former Chelsea youth star, Smith was top scorer for the Blues' reserves in the 2005-06 season, playing in his preferred position as an attacking midfielder. He made one senior appearance under Jose Mourinho but struggled to assert himself on the first team and left Stamford Bridge for Orient in 2009, where he has flourished since. As either an attacking midfielder or winger, Smith is the O's creator-in-chief and has showed he has an eye for a crucial goal having claimed the opener against Swansea and winner against Norwich in the past two rounds. Russell Slade will need the former England Under-16s, -17s and -19s international to be at his sparkling best if his side are to have any chance of causing an upset.
Arsenal player to watch: Denilson
The Brazilian midfielder played 37 of the Gunners' 38 Premier League games in 2008-09 but has seen his role gradually reduced since then. The impressive partnership of Abou Diaby and Alex Song restricted him to 19 starts last season and he has just four so far this time around, with Jack Wilshere now Arsene Wenger's preferred man in midfield. Denilson may not be able to match Wilshere's flair and vision, but he is still a dogged player whose work rate and ability to build up attacks with simple passes will be valuable on a difficult playing surface.
Key battle: Ben Chorley v Nicklas Bendtner
Sunday will be an emotional occasion for Leyton Orient club captain Chorley as the former Arsenal trainee lines up against his old club with plenty to prove having never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners before his release in 2003. He won the 2001 Youth Cup alongside the likes of Jerome Thomas, Steve Sidwell and Jermaine Pennant and will be up against another Arsenal youth product in Nicklas Bendtner, who has been with the club since he was 17. At 6ft 3in, Chorley is an imposing figure and dominant in the air, but ultra-confident Bendtner will fancy his chances of adding to his three goals in seven domestic cup games for the Gunners this season.
Source: Mark Lomas, ESPN Soccernet on 18 Feb 11
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