Attention turns to the FA Cup this weekend, and Saturday afternoon’s game at the Emirates Stadium sees Arsenal battle Blackburn Rovers for a place in the quarter finals.
The Gunners, who edged past Brighton and Hove Albion in round four, last lifted the trophy in 2005; their win on penalties against Manchester United clinching a tenth victory in the competition. Only United have a better record with eleven wins.
The hosts are set to welcome back captain Thomas Vermaelen after his recovery from an ankle problem, though Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere are both doubtful. Gervinho, who has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations, could feature for the first time since New Year’s Day.
Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are joint favourites to open the scoring, at 5.0 (4/1) with Paddy Power and Bet 365 respectively.
The home win is widely available at 1.33 (1/3), with Blackburn as highly priced 11.0 (10/1). The draw is a 6.0 (5/1) shot with Bet 365.
Blackburn, who have won this competition no less than six times, made it to this stage by thumping Derby County 3-0 at Pride Park three weeks ago.
Michael Appleton could include new loan signings Karim Rekik and David Bentley, who are both eligible after joining the club on Friday.
Former Gunner Bentley, who also played 133 times for Blackburn before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, is a 13.0 (12/1) chance with Ladbrokes to get the first goal of the game, with top scorer Jordan Rhodes a more likely punt at 9.0 (8/1) with a variety of firms.