Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal must be “switched on” from the moment they step out in front of 40,000 fans at Elland Road – or face being dumped out of the FA Cup.
The Gunners boss is again expected to rotate his starting XI for what will be their sixth fixture of a congested January after needing a last-minute penalty from captain Cesc Fabregas to deny the Championship side a famous win at Emirates Stadium 10 days ago.
“The speed of our display, the speed of thought, the sharpness of our game has to improve,” he said. “We want to be sharper and more positive, we started the game a little bit off our usual level. That means first, mentally, of all you want to switch on much quicker.”
Arsenal have a fine away record this season, and can certainly expect a testing atmosphere at Elland Road, a venue which not so long ago hosted such showdowns on a regular basis.
Wenger, though, feels his squad will not suffer from stage fight.
“No matter what they do, the fans will be behind the team at Leeds. On the other hand, we are used to that and that would not be any excuse for us,” he said.
“We have played all over the world, everywhere, in vociferous stadiums. I don’t think that will be any excuse for us, it’s natural and normal.
“What’s important is that you show your quality no matter in what kind of environment you play.”
TEAM NEWS
Leeds striker Luciano Becchio is doubtful due to a back injury.
Becchio, who has scored 13 goals this season, was forced out of Saturday’s 4-0 home win over Scunthorpe early in the second half and replaced by Billy Paynter.
Paynter, Davide Somma, also on target against Scunthorpe, and Ross McCormack all provide manager Simon Grayson with alternative options if Becchio fails to make it.
Left-back George McCartney is unavailable as he did not return to Leeds on loan for the rest of the season from Sunderland until after the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, so Ben Parker could return to the starting line-up.
Grayson has no other new injury or suspension worries, while Sanchez Watt, who fired his first goal for Leeds on Saturday, is hoping to face his parent club again after being given permission to play in the initial tie.
Wojciech Szczesny will again be in goal for Arsenal as Lukasz Fabianski remains sidelined with a shoulder problem.
Right-back Bacary Sagna is available after completing a three-match ban and winger Tomas Rosicky is expected back after a virus. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey could make his first Gunners appearance since recovering from a broken leg, while Nicklas Bendtner may get another chance in attack.
Defender Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring), midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.
ODDS
Leeds 5/1, Draw 11/4, Arsenal 4/7
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