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Wenger On Whether Szczesny & Gabriel Will Start FA Cup Clash

By mac14 on February 13, 2015

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start against Middlesbrough on Sunday while Gabriel Paulista could make his debut in defence.

Szczesny has lost his first team place to David Ospina in recent weeks following a disappointing display during our defeat to Southampton on New Years Day.

The Polish international has sat out six of our last seven games – only starting during our 3-2 FA Cup fourth round win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Szczesny will be given another chance to impress this weekend after Wenger confirmed he’ll start against Boro on Sunday afternoon.

The boss also revealed that January signing Gabriel Paulista is ‘very close’ to making his debut.

The Brazilian is yet to make an appearance following his move from Villarreal last month but the Middlesbrough game could be a good opportunity to hand him his first start at the back.

Wenger has confirmed he’ll make some changes for the game so we could also see the likes of Chambers, Flamini, Gibbs and Welbeck come back into the side.

Wenger: "Gabriel is very close to making his debut. He has the ability, good pace and he's good in the air." #AFCvMFC pic.twitter.com/Mr2zUHJnvP

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 13, 2015

Wenger: "@13Szczesny13 will play. He is completely ready and determined to play." #AFCvMFC pic.twitter.com/YlrJWYgABl

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 13, 2015

Boss: "Some players will play who have not played recently but we will treat this game exactly the same as a Premier League game." #AFCvMFC

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 13, 2015