Laudrup: Pressure on Arsenal

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup thinks Arsenal will be under pressure when the sides lock horns in an FA Cup third round tie at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Last Updated: 04/01/13 at 16:52 Post Comment   

Michael Laudrup: Expects Arsenal to be at full strength

Michael Laudrup: Expects Arsenal to be at full strength

The Gunners are off the pace in the Premier League, out of the Carling Cup and facing a tough Champions League clash with AC Milan, so Laudrup thinks they will see the FA Cup as their best chance of a trophy this term.

"I think there is pressure on them," said Laudrup. "When you are a top team, you are obliged to at least compete until the end to win things.

"There can only be one winner in all competitions and two teams in a final, and they are expected to at least be in the semi-finals, so there is more pressure at this stage on Arsenal than on Swansea, that is obvious.

"Looking from the outside, Arsenal are a big club and big clubs are obliged to play in finals.

"They played a (League Cup) final the year before last and they lost, but it is many years since they won a trophy, which is why they will come here with the best team they can put on the pitch and that is what I have to look forward to."

Swansea have beaten Arsenal twice since returning to the top flight but Laudrup added: "Those games mean nothing, this is a new game and it will be a different team we face.

"The players will be the same but they have changed, with Theo Walcott playing as a centre forward and Bacary Sagna back at right back. I expect them to put out their strongest team."

Big spending off the menu

Laudrup says he may look to strengthen his squad during the transfer window but is not expecting to make any expensive acquisitions.

"I don't think we will spend a lot of money," he said. "It is easy to spend money but I would rather spend it well.

"This club is one of the few with black numbers at the bottom of the balance sheet and it is not often you see that. It is not about spending money just to spend and I don't think we will spend that much."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

New England kit is revealed

England's new Nike home kit has been unveiled ahead of the Three Lions' game against the Republic of Ireland next Wednesday.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says Jose Mourinho made him a better player

Frank Lampard has praised the man-management style of former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Jose Mourinho moves closer to Real Madrid exit and Chelsea return

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid fate will finally be sealed this week, paving the way for his return to Chelsea.

Mail Box

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved