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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has had his team training of the 3G pitch at the home of Sutton United ahead on tonight's FA Cup tie, and admits that the artificial surface may cause his side problems.
The Gunners face the non-league side for a place in the quarter finals of the competition, in what will be their first match since the 5-1 demolition by Bayern Munich last week. The winner will host Lincoln City in the next round, with the victor of that match earning a place at Wembley for the semi finals.
Arsene Wenger's future has been questioned for some time now, but after that hammering in the Champions League, he will come under even more scrutiny tonight, with this being Arsenal's last realistic chance of silverware this season. He will be without defender Laurent Koscielny, and attacker Danny Welbeck is also a doubt.
As Sutton United are not a member of the Football League, they are permitted to use an artificial pitch, something that the Premier League side will not be used to. Leeds United found out the difficulties that this surface can bring, as they were beaten by Sutton in the last round.
If this fixture was decided purely on ability, it would easily be an Arsenal victory, but as we so often see in the FA Cup, the determination and desire from the non-league teams, along with compact and passionate crowds, can provide us with a shock. Arsenal will have to assure that they are motivated for this one, or else more pressure will be applied to Arsene Wenger's position.
This is a fascinating tie, and has the makings of an FA Cup classic. Whatever the result, it is certain to be entertaining, and well worth a watch.
Written by Matt Button
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