Wenger: Best preparation for Man City and Chelsea clashes is beating Swansea

Saturday, January 5, 2013
2:55 PM

Manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his Arsenal team to set themselves up for the crunch Barclays Premier League double against Manchester City and Chelsea by knocking Swansea out of the FA Cup tomorrow.

The Gunners will be looking to maintain momentum when they travel to Wales from a five-match unbeaten run which has taken them back to within striking distance of the top four - a gap which could have been closer had they not laboured to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Southampton on New Year’s Day.

Champions City come to Emirates Stadium in a week’s time, which is followed up by a trip to Stamford Bridge and both games are set to fully test the character of Wenger’s side.

“The best way to prepare for our games against Manchester City and Chelsea is to come out on top against Swansea, which will be a difficult tie,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“The FA Cup is always important, but we are on a good run overall and we want to keep that going.”

Wenger added: “It (the Premier League) is tight, every game is massive which is why consistency is so important.

“All the teams are difficult to beat and if you are not completely at your best, it does not work.”