Middlesbrough, who sit atop the Championship table, visit North London for their fifth round Football Association Cup fixture on Sunday night.

Arsene Wenger was all praise for Middlesbrough, as he lauded their creativity and organization, but he stated that his side do not want to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City and suffer an elimination from the tournament.

"They are not afraid to take on the big boys. They are well organised, play good football and are very creative. We won't be surprised by them. We don't have the excuse to be surprised as they beat Manchester City."

The Frenchman hinted that Emirates Stadium could be the stage for his fringe players this Sunday, but he also emphasized on the importance of this fixture.

"Some players will play who have not played recently but we will treat this game exactly the same as a Premier League game."

Going by his words, Arsenal may well be expected to name the likes of Mathieu Flamini and Calum Chambers in the line-ups against the Riverside Stadium club.

Speaking of Gabriel Paulista, he claimed that the defender is close to making his Arsenal debut and stated that he would highlight his attributes once he gets on the pitch.

"He's very close. He is a player with ability. He likes to defend. He is good in the air, very strong, but it is better I don't talk too much and let him show how good he is."

Jack Wilshere trained with the first team recently after a lengthy injury layoff and the Arsenal manager seems coy over letting the English midfielder walk straight into the starting eleven citing a potential lack of sharpness. However, he admitted that competition in the dressing room could bring the best out of him.

"He is motivated to come back as quickly as possible. He has worked hard but he has been out for four months. It is competition that gives you that sharpness that training does not give you."

He admitted that the Championship side impose a big challenge, but insisted that Arsenal may well qualify for the quarter finals citing Arsenal’s home advantage.

"It's a big challenge but a big opportunity. If we qualify we are in the quarter-finals. We have the luck. The match is at the Emirates."