Arsene has already confirmed that Henry will have some part to play in the game and for those who know Arsene’s substitutions well over the years, I would guess that a 10-15 minute cameo at the end of the game would be a good bet. Those who are being handsomely paid for writing about the match

I am not quite sure what to make of this preview. I could talk about all the great FA Cup clashes of yesteryear or the fact that Leeds United are a sleeping giant who tried to force growing into a larger giant but lost their gamble and are now more of gnome size. This would all seem very appropriate material to work from if we hadn’t already played Leeds United in the FA Cup last season. A time where our second string teams had absolutely no connection, no established partnerships and Leeds United would have been rather frustrated to have come away with a draw.

This time there will be no Cesc Fabregas sitting on the bench waiting to come on and change the game, although the focus will almost certainly be all about the Arsenal substitutes bench. I suspect that a few more camera’s will be at the Emirates this evening as the media will be pining for the best facial expression from the legend that is Thierry Henry.

Arsene has already confirmed that Henry will have some part to play in the game and for those who know Arsene’s substitutions well over the years, I would guess that a 10-15 minute cameo at the end of the game would be a good bet.

Those who are being handsomely paid for writing about the match will be hoping that the game is still level at least before Henry comes on but those like myself would be much happier if our longer term squad members do themselves justice and wrap the game up long before then.

Our manager has already said that we will field a strong team but I guess that depends on what his definition of strong is. The FA Cup has always been a competition that we have taken more seriously than the Carling Cup, our line up’s over the years will show that but I would be awfully surprised if a few others do not join van Persie in some serious feet up sessions at home or at least, on the bench.

Mikel Arteta has been played consistently week after week since he joined the club and although he hasn’t had the international minutes, you would expect a player of his age and commitment needing some time off after a very hectic Christmas period but after the Fulham game, I am not sure if Arsene’s selections would shock me anymore.

Having said that, the fact that we have had over seven days rest may influence Arsene’s decisions as it is rare that we get that amount of time to recuperate after matches.

Ju Park and Marouane Chamakh will be in contention to start, it will be interesting to see if Arsene selects both players or chooses one or the others. That choice is vital because it decides the shape of the team and the midfield or wide personnel.

Arsene used a 4-4-2 shape in our last Carling Cup game against Manchester City with both Chamakh and Park leading the line, if this is Arsene’s choice then I suspect that Arshavin will not start the game. That would be very harsh but trying to accommodate the Russian attacker along with two center forwards could unbalance the defensive shape of the team.

4-2-3-1

There are issues about both of the above midfield’s and doubt whether we will see either of those team’s tonight. One because in the 4-4-2 Arsene has never used Tomas Rosicky as a central midfielder in that formation. He has played the more advanced role in a three but never in a two at Arsenal as far as I am aware.

That problem remains in the 4-2-3-1, Yossi Benayoun has only played as the advanced central midfielder once in Dortmund in the Champions League and Arsene has already said that he is more of a wide attacker rather than a central playmaker. If Arsene thinks that then he certainly will not drop Yossi back to sit alongside Alex Song.

Now this could all change if either or both Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey have enough energy levels to play this evening, I assume now would be a time to rest them because they have looked jaded of late but Arsene may think differently. If that is the case then the options open up.

I would love to see Francis Coquelin given a chance in midfield and that would solve the balance issue but it seems as if Wenger doesn’t believe that Miquel is a good enough option even if he has performed admirably in the few occasions he has played at left back.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

That line up is pure speculation as we have no idea what Arsene has in mind but I expect the bench to be full of first team players who can change the game. Players like Walcott, Ramsey and of course Thierry Henry could be called upon. I don’t know if van Persie will be on the bench or rested completely.

I like all Arsenal fans are looking forward to the moment where Thierry Henry is called to warm up, I expect the Arsenal support to go mad then followed by his entrance onto the pitch. It should be emotional.

Fingers crossed for a victory tonight and if the footballing gods are in a good mood then a Thierry Henry goal would do nicely also.