Wenger MUST rest Ozil… even if he risks blowing Arsenal's hopes of making FA Cup history

The Gunners could become the first team ever to win the competition three times in a row but that must not get in their way of their best chance of winning the title in years

Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will rest star man Mesut Ozil for the FA Cup third round clash against Sunderland on Saturday as Arsenal start their defence of the competition.

The Gunners are hoping to become the first club since Blackburn Rovers in the 1880's to win the FA Cup three times in a row - but Wenger must not be distracted by the opportunity to make that piece of history.

Arsenal have an incredible opportunity to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 this season and the Sunderland fixture comes after a busy festive period and with the Londoners still riddled with injury problems.

The likes of Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Flamini are all expected to be rested for the match.

---

Iwobi & Reine-Adelaide to get their chance?

---

Wenger often uses the League Cup to give youngsters a chance and he should take the same approach this weekend, particularly with a huge trip to Liverpool coming up on Wednesday night.

That means the likes of Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide could feature as well as fringe players like Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, who are in need of playing time.

It could be that Wenger takes fewer risks and plays a more experienced side. Theo Walcott is expected to start up front, Aaron Ramsey is super-fit and ready to play while club captain Mikel Arteta also hopes to start after declaring himself available following a calf injury.