FA Cup preview: Can Oxford upset Arteta's high-flying Arsenal?
The manager says he was left “very angry” with aspects of his side’s performance as they were beaten 1-0 by Exeter on New Year’s Day, a result that means they have won just one of their last five games (D2, L2).
That loss was the Yellows’ first on home soil in six outings (W3, D2) though, and they will surely be given a lift by a sell out crowd at the Kassam Stadium as they welcome Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal.
However, their recent record when facing top-flight teams in this competition leaves little to be desired, managing just one victory, against Swansea since beating Leeds in the fourth round in 1993/94 (D3, L7).
That run of fixtures includes a 2-0 defeat to the Gunners at the third round stage 20 years ago, a year in which Arsene Wenger’s side went on to win the FA Cup, beating Southampton in the final.
Indeed, Arsenal have lifted the trophy more than any other team, 14 times, but they have lost their last two away fixtures in the competition, including to then lower league side Nottingham Forest last season.
Mikel Arteta’s outfit are a changed team this season though, losing just two of their last 18 outings (W14, D2) following a 0-0 draw against Newcastle on Tuesday.
The manager was left cursing his luck after that game, insisting “two scandalous” refereeing decisions prevented his side from being awarded a couple of penalties, but they still remain clear at the top of the table.
Players to watch: James Henry, an FA Cup semi-finalist with Millwall in 2012/13, has only lost three of his ten matches in this competition since joining Oxford (W6, D1). Arsenal on the other hand are likely to name a much-changed side, which should include Kieran Tierney, who has won 13 of his 21 cup matches for the club (D3, L5).
Hot streak: Arsenal haven’t conceded a goal in their last five matches against Oxford - a run stretching back to 1986.
