AITOR KARANKA has named arguably his strongest team at the Emirates as Middlesbrough look to stun Arsenal in the FA Cup – with the exception of a recall for Tomas Mejias.
There are only three survivors from the starting line-up named at Blackpool in midweek, with Mejias recalled to face the Gunners like he was in the previous round at Manchester City.
That means Greek goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, like he did at the Etihad, must watch from the stands, while Kike is preferred in attack to Jelle Vossen.
Arsenal are also taking the tie seriously, with Arsene Wenger including the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla in a bid to cause Boro problems at the back and seal a quarter-final spot.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Cazorla; Ozil, Welbeck, Sanchez; Giroud. Subs: Martinez, Mertesacker, Monreal, Rosicky, Walcott, Coquelin, Akpom.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Mejias; Fredericks, Omeruo, Gibson, Friend; Leadbitter, Clayton; Bamford, Tomlin, Adomah; Kike. Subs: Ripley (gk), Nsue, Husband, Vossen, Whitehead, Woodgate, Reach.
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