Arsenal v Blackburn match updates

          The Gunners host Blackburn in the fifth round of the FA Cup in the first of a run of games which will see them tackle the German giants while also facing Barclays Premier League rivals Tottenham and Everton in what could prove to be crucial for their hopes of breaking back into the top four.When Arsenal return from the Allianz Arena on March 13, the outlook of their campaign could be still on course for success or with little other than wounded pride left to play for.You go into the period at the end of February and March when every game will define your season," said Wenger.The FA Cup is an important target for us. We always take it very seriously, we are on a good run and we want to continue the run.Manager Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are entering the defining period of their season, but sees no reason why his side should not be confident of winning the Champions League if they knock out Bayern Munich.The Arsenal manager is determined to avoid a second cup shock in the same season after crashing out of the Capital One Cup on penalties at Bradford.I always have to convince you that we take the competition seriously," he said.In 16 years I don't think we had (many) upsets against lower division teams, that shows that we take the competition seriously.We prepare for the game like a final every time, and that's why we have done reasonably well until now.That streak includes a 3-0 away win over Derby that helped Appleton's side, relegated from the Barclays Premier League last term, earn a fifth-round tie against the Gunners.I think it is certainly a weekend off in terms of the league fixtures," Appleton told the club's official website.
      With the FA Cup game on Saturday it does give us an opportunity to enjoy the match more than we would in a normal league game.However, with Arsenal currently on a five-match unbeaten run of their own, Appleton knows his players have a tough test on their hands.