Five Questions With Ted Harwood of The Short Fuse

I don't normally clamor for new signings that much, but I think the biggest single thing over which Arsenal have control right now is finding anyone who can play a creative role in the midfield. Since players like that are few and far between, they could turn to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. I know he's only 18, and there's no need to put undue pressure on him, so it would take some patience and understanding of dips in form from the supporters, but he seems the most likely option to make an impact at this point.

I've given up on our defending improving until injuries stop happening, by the way, so scoring more and finishing chances is necessary.

I don't think they'll take the FA Cup much more seriously than they have in the past, becuase Wenger makes it clear time and time again that a good performance in the league is of paramount importance. The difference, this time, though, is that the squad is thin enough right now, and the fixture list kind enough, that Arsenal are both required and able to start a lot of their best XI. I should hope, though, that fans are hungry for the FA Cup, because I love it. The bummer about people saying it doesn't matter much anymore is that if Arsenal actually win the darned thing, they're all going to look silly when they celebrate it like the second coming.

If Arsenal have to play in the Europa League next year, I'll personally be okay with it. I don't think it's inherently a bad thing from a fans' perspective, but financially it would hurt a bit.

Robin van Persie is really good, and he probably could be a One Man Team if he had to. Clearly though, Arsenal have other really good players. Who, amongst those that may not be household names, should we keep a closer eye on?

I think Thomas Vermaelen will start on the left, and the newly-returned Francis Coquelin will start on the right. I could see Nico Yennaris, who played well against Manchester United in the second half last weekend, on the right as well, especially if Wenger decides to use Coquelin as a holding or central midfielder, which he may.

Prediction?

As the match is at the Emirates, I think Arsenal will come out slightly on top. I think it'll be 2-1 to Arsenal.