Defend for their lives

Against Manchester City, Boro managed to keep a clean sheet and will have to be just as militant at the back if they want to get through against Arsenal.

The Gunners are pacey and have players who can make space where there does not seem to be any – Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil are only three of the players Ayala and co will have to marshal – but it has been done before and can be done again.