Arsenal should have most of the territory, while Fleetwood work to keep their midfield close to the defensive line. The useful distinction is how often that possession becomes a clean reception inside the box. Fleetwood's delivery from wide positions gives their clearances a purpose beyond simply ending the first attack.
Fleetwood's cup performance against Sheffield United showed a compact side limiting good chances while still producing an attacking outlet. Danny Andrew's cross forced the decisive own goal, and Coughlan's latest free-kick equaliser supplies a separate example of threat from limited territory. Arsenal's recent Everton and Forest matches showed patient pressure becoming goals through restarts or later changes.
The expected Arsenal cup allocation retains experienced attacking links around Eze, Dowman and Zubimendi while resting several regular organisers. Those are reported selections rather than a confirmed team. Saka, Tzolis and Saliba remain listed out after missing the Everton squad; Fleetwood's reported Cannon return is restricted to gradual bench involvement.
I expect Arsenal to move the block from side to side and Fleetwood to seek deliveries rather than compete for long spells of possession. The home side's compact cup performance and surviving restart route support a competitive margin against that expected allocation. That's why I'm siding with Fleetwood to keep the defeat within a manageable margin.
