Stoke City v Arsenal – FA Cup preview

New Premier League leaders Arsenal haven't exactly had an easy draw in this season's FA Cup. The Gunners overcame a gritty West Ham in round three and face an equally tough away trip in round four to Stoke City .

It is anyone's guess what kind of line-up Arsene Wenger will decide to use, but it's safe to assume that with a packed schedule coming up including games against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and a Champions League match against Porto, it will be much changed from the side that beat Bolton on Wednesday evening. Expect a role for the likes of Jack Wilshere and Carlos Vela . But the most intriguing question will be whether Wenger hands 35 year-old Sol Campbell a second Arsenal debut or not. Centre-back pairing William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen haven't had much respite and with want-away Philippe Senderos reluctant to play, Campbell might get his chance.
Stoke will come into the tie on the back of a good point at home to Liverpool. Tony Pulis has been linked with several players during the January transfer window and unsurprisingly many of them have been strikers. Hitting the back of the net has been a problem for Stoke this season, illustrated by a paltry four goals on the road so far.
However, what they lack in fire power, they make up for with discipline and determination. Crucial to their comfortable Premier League position has been strong defensive displays from the likes of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross . They will have to be at their very best to stop Arsenal's eye-catching brand of attacking football.
Former Wimbledon and Port Vale player Robbie Earle summed up the need for resilience from Tony Pulis' side, saying, "If there’s one game where Stoke need to stick to basics, it’s Arsenal at home.
You could argue that Stoke should be more adventurous because probably their only chance of getting through is to win at the Britannia.
But opening up the game won’t improve their chances because the more time and space Arsenal have to play, the more likely they are to be avengeing their 2-1 defeat at the Brit last season."
The Potters will see the FA Cup as a realistic shout of some silverware. If they can overcome an Arsenal side on Sunday which can play anyone off the pitch on their day, they will fancy their chances of a truly successful cup run.

Tottenham v Leeds - FA Cup preview

After seeing off Manchester United at Old Trafford, Leeds United were handed another difficult FA Cup fixture at Spurs in the fourth round. Simon Grayson’s side travel to London hoping to show their pedigree once again on the big stage despite a patchy run of form since their win at the Theatre of Dreams.

Jermaine Beckford has been the centre of much transfer speculation since scoring the winner against Manchester United. Newcastle and Everton have been linked with the free-scoring striker who seems set to run down his contract at Elland Road before a lucrative summer move.
Leeds have lost two games and drawn one since their win at Manchester United and will be eager to gain some momentum from another clash against a major team with their lead at the top of League One down to three points.
There is little doubt that if Leeds show the same desire and commitment at White Hart Lane as they did at Old Trafford, another shock could be on the cards. Casper Ankergren was barely tested in the third round thanks to impressive performances at the back from the likes of Richard Naylor and Jason Crowe.
In midfield Neil Kilkenny and Jonathan Howson were full of running and Luciano Becchio proved he can be a threat against Premier League defences. Beckford may have received all the plaudits and attention after his goal, but this Leeds team are better than League One and are sure to rise to the occasion again on Saturday tea time.
Spurs meanwhile will be looking to recover from their disappointing display at Anfield on Wednesday night. Harry Redknapp’s side failed to match Liverpool’s desire and work rate in a pivotal clash for a Champions League spot. The Tottenham boss takes the FA Cup seriously but he admitted after the Premier League defeat that some of the younger players would get an opportunity to impress.
Almost a first choice Spurs team saw off Peterborough 4-0 in the last round, this time the likes of Danny Rose and Giovani Dos Santos could be given a chance to impress after they were unused substitutes at Liverpool. Aaron Lennon has pinpointed this match to make his return from a groin injury and along with Robbie Keane, another who is likely to be restored to the starting line up, will face his former club.
Another former Leeds player Jonathan Woodgate will be missing through injury, as will Ledley King and Tom Huddlestone. A number of lesser sides have defended deep and secured points at White Hart Lane this season, including Hull last week and Stoke and Wolves. Wigan’s 9-1 mauling is often held up to prove Spurs’ attacking prowess but it isn’t always so cut and dried.
This is probably the tie of the round and with both teams having something to prove it could well be a close match.

Manchester City delegation travels to Spain to lure Canales

Officials from Manchester City travelled to Spain yesterday to meet with representatives of Sergio Canales and his club Racing Santander .

According to Spanish publication AS, Manchester City sent sporting director Mike Rigg and CFO Graham Wallace to Spain to make a huge offer to bring the 18 year-old attacking midfielder to Eastlands.
Canales has been a revelation in Spain’s Primera Liga this season and has scored 5 goals in 8 matches.
AS reports that Rigg and Wallace arrived in a private jet and held two separate meetings with the player’s father and agent, Angel Canales and with Racing president Francisco Pernia. Manchester City reportedly offered Racing a large fee and to loan Canales back to the club for a year. They are said to have offered a four or five year deal to Canales worth 1.5 million euros per year, rising to 3 million euros during the course of the contract.
City appear to be positioning themselves as the top English club in the queue for Canales, although Real Madrid are still believed o be favourites to capture the youngster’s signature.