Arsenal vs Leeds United - Match Preview

By Matt Holmes / January 9, 2012

Arsenal will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself tonight when once again they take on Championship opponents Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup, kick-off at 7.45pm live on ESPN. Last season they needed a late Cesc Fabregas penalty to stay in the tournament after Leeds were minutes away from a historic victory at the Emirates. In the third round replay, the Gunners knocked out Leeds in a 3-1 victory at Elland Road and that's the kind of scoreline they will aiming for tonight. They may have lost star player Fabregas but one of Arsenal's greatest ever footballers Thierry Henry is likely to make an incredible return to the Emirates Stadium tonight when he fields against Championship opponents Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup. With goal machine Robin Van Persie and Gervinho away on African Cup of Nations duty there is a huge chance that Henry may even start tonight, though Wenger managed to convince Marouane Chamakh who delayed his departure to the African Cup of Nations and is available. Arsenal also have players missing at the back as they are struggling for fit defenders to field with Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos unavailable. Plus, Johan Djourou is suspended for tonight's encounter. For Leeds, defender Patrick Kisnorbo will be missing for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Tom Lees and Alex Bruce are also doubts. Captain Jonny Howson and midfield dynamo Robert Snodgrass are on the injury list. Leeds's hopes of an upset this time round are hampered by a long injury list which includes the influential Robert Snodgrass and captain Jonny Howson. However, the home side will be buoyed by the presence of record goalscorer Henry, and manager Arsene Wenger will also be able to call on striker Marouane Chamakh, after he delayed his departure to join up with the Morocco squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.