FA Cup 3rd round fixtures preview: Arsenal vs Swansea etc.

Despite admitting that the progression to the Champions League next round is a priority, Arsène Wenger revealed that he has set his sights on winning FA Cup this season. Should the Gunners succeed this would be Arsenal’s first piece of silverware since 2005 when they lifted FA Cup trophy. This would be not an easy task taking into account that Arsenal face Swansea City, the side, which has recently beaten the Gunners at the Emirates stadium. Statistically Arsenal have always progressed to the FA Cup foutrh round under guidance of Arsene Wenger.

Players to watch:

Michu netted both goals in that game and is currently topping Premier League goalscoring charts with 14 goals in 21 appearance. He has returned to full fitness following recent injury and is ready to start.

Arsenal would hope that Walcott extends his impressive goal scoring form. He seems to be thriving since Wenger has moved him on preferred central striker position. The England international netted 14 goals and set up another 10 in 20 games this season.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Newcastle United

The Magpies will miss their midfielder Cheick Tiote who has gone to the African Cup of Nations, while Papiss Cisse will pair with Shola Ameobi up front.

Manchester City vs Watford

Sergio Aguero has suffered hamstring injury and will be out of contention for several weeks. Most likely Mancini will give his troublesome forward Mario Balotelli another chance after the Italian has recovered from a virus.

Southampton vs Chelsea

The new Chelsea signing Demba Ba is set to replace Torres up front to make his debut after joining the Blues from Newcastle.

West Ham vs Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson will include long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Phil Jones in the first-team squad. Wayne Rooney has suffered an injury set-back and will be out for two more weeks.

Here are the matches played on Saturday:

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Newcastle United
Barnsley vs Burnley
Crystal Palace vs Stoke City
Manchester City vs Watford
Fulham vs Blackpool
Charlton Athletic vs Huddersfield Town
Tottenham Hotspur vs Coventry City
Wigan Athletic vs AFC Bournemouth
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town
Macclesfield Town vs Cardiff City
Leicester City vs Burton Albion
Crawley Town vs Reading
Aldershot Town vs Rotherham United
Hull City vs Leyton Orient
Queens Park Rangers vs West Bromwich Albion
Middlesbrough vs Hastings United
Blackburn Rovers vs Bristol City
Oxford United vs Sheffield United
Leeds United vs Birmingham City
Nottingham Forest vs Oldham Athletic
Southampton vs Chelsea
Southend United vs Brentford
Sheffield Wednesday vs Milton Keynes Dons FC
Millwall vs Preston North End
Derby County vs Tranmere Rovers
Peterborough United vs Norwich City
Bolton Wanderers vs Sunderland
Luton Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham United vs Manchester United

Matches played on Sunday:

Swansea City vs Arsenal
Mansfield Town vs Liverpool

Matches played on Monday:

Cheltenham Town vs Everton