Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his side can come through their FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers with minimal damage ahead of their Champions League match with Bayern Munich.

Wenger has several injury problems in defence while Carl Jenkinson is suspended after being sent off during the Gunners' 1-0 win at Sunderland last weekend.

Wenger is also likely to make alterations in midfield, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tomas Rosicky expected to start at the Emirates Stadium.

Rovers arrive in North London on the back of a five-game unbeaten run that has coincided with Michael Appleton taking over as the club's manager.

Appleton would have been indebted to the form of striker Jordan Rhodes, who has now scored 21 goals for Blackburn this season.

Morten Gamst Pedersen could return to the side to replace the cup-tied DJ Campbell.

Recent form

Arsenal: LWWDWW

Blackburn Rovers: LDWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal, Miquel; Arteta, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Rosicky; Podolski

Blackburn Rovers: Kean; Orr, Mn.Olsson, Dann, G.Hanley; Lowe, Murphy, Ms.Olsson; Pedersen, Rhodes, Kazim-Richards

Sports Mole says: 4-1

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