Arsenal vs. Leeds United: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Premier League contenders Arsenal will take on Championship side Leeds United in an FA Cup clash on Monday. When the teams faced off in last season's third round, the Gunners advanced on aggregate, but the Whites did manage a draw at Ashburton Grove.

The Gunners will be looking to rebound from a shocking loss to Fulham. Up 1-0 in the final minutes, a 10-man Arsenal side watched as late strikes by Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora secured all three points for the Cottagers.

Leeds will be in much better spirits after ending a four-game winless streak with a 2-1 triumph against Burnley. Unlike Arsenal, the Whites were on the right side of a comeback as they got an own-goal gift from Jay Rodriguez before Ross McCormack picked up the winner in stoppage time.

Where: Emirates Stadium in London, England

When: Monday, Jan. 9 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Arsenal -435, Leeds United +990, Draw +445

Player to Watch for Arsenal: Robin van Persie

While some managers, especially those still alive in the Champions League, will use the FA Cup as a chance to get some key players a rest, Arsene Wenger should field a pretty full lineup since Arsenal will receive normal rest before its next game.

That means fans should get another chance to see van Persie in action with last year's near upset still fresh in everybody's mind. The dominant striker has scored 20 goals for the Gunners this season and should have another big game against Leeds' outmatched back line.

Player to Watch for Leeds United: Ross McCormack

Robert Snodgrass is recovering from appendix surgery, which will put more pressure on McCormack to create offense against an improving Arsenal defense. The 25-year-old Scottish striker has scored 11 goals in 24 league games during the current campaign.

It's been a slow rise for McCormack. He's struggled to find consistent playing time at the different stops he's made, but when given an extended amount of pitch time, he's produced. He'll need to have the game of his life to keep the Whites competitive.

Key Matchup: Arsene Wenger vs. Simon Grayson

These FA Cup games have a tendency to be more tricky than they would appear to be on paper. Arsenal can't help but to look ahead at continuing its charge up the Premiership table and Champions League matchup with AC Milan while Leeds is focused solely on pulling off the upset.

That's why the onus is one the managers to have their teams best prepared for Monday's game. Wenger must ensure his lineup, whether it's his best available group or a bunch of reserves, takes Leeds United seriously or there could be a repeat of last season or worse.

What They're Saying

Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin is happy that Arsenal hero Thierry Henry is nearing a return to the team, according to George Ankers of Goal.com:

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“The first time I saw Henry, he really impressed me — his arrival will be a bonus for the whole team,” Coquelin told The Sun.

“You can tell he's up for it and he's lost none of his quality. It's already a real plus point for us in the changing room.”

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Andros Townsend recently arrived to Leeds on loan from Tottenham and had some flattering words about his new club (via team website):

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"There were a few options, but Leeds United is a massive club and I couldn't turn it down," said Andros, who has made seven appearances for Spurs this season, in both the Europa League and the Carling Cup.

"Only a few years ago Leeds were in the Champions League and I've played here before and the fans are amazing so it's a no-brainer to come here really.”

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Prediction

Arsenal 3, Leeds United 1