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Mikel Arteta wants to see FA Cup replays scrapped

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes it is time for FA Cup replays to be scrapped.The Spaniard was speaking ahead of his side's crunch third-round tie against Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.Following Sunday's match, the Gunners - who have slipped five points behind Jurgen Klopp's side in the race for the title - are set to be out of action for 13 days.But a draw at the Emirates would force the two sides to meet at Anfield during what would be a rare and crucial near-fortnight off for Arsenal in their challenge on both domestic and European fronts.When asked if the Football Association should consider pulling the plug on replays, Arteta, whose side will also contest a rejigged Champions League next season if they finish in the top four, said: "I think so."We will see what happens because with the new format of the Champions League, there will be more games (to play) so I don't know how we are going to fit them in."The (mini) break will be minimal and we have plans for both scenarios.

We want to win the game and we will try to win the game, but that (cancelling replays) has to be considered."With just one win from their last five outings, Arsenal will head into Sunday's mouth-watering fixture against in-form Liverpool as marginal underdogs.In contrast to Arsenal's drab defeat against Fulham, Liverpool fired four past Newcastle on New Year's Day to allow them to take top spot in the league.Arsenal's free-scoring form of last season has dried up following just four goals in their previous five league outings - with half of those coming in a 2-0 home win against Brighton.None of Arsenal's frontline have managed to break into double figures for the season so far with Bukayo Saka leading the way on

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Liverpool can strengthen their position on top of the Premier League when they travel to Bournemouth on Sunday. Spluttering Arsenal will hope for a slip from the Reds as they look to get their title challenge back on track against Crystal Palace. At the other end of the table, Brentford's Ivan Toney is expected to return against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest. AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend's action:
Fulham’s Portuguese midfielder #26 Joao Palhinha (2R) and Fulham’s Brazilian midfielder #18 Andreas Pereira (R) jump in the wall to block a freekick by Liverpool’s Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

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