Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is well aware of the threat posed by this weekend's opponents Middlesbrough.
The Gunners host the Championship club in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday after Aitor Karanka's side eliminated Manchester City in the last stage.
In the lead-up to the fixture, Wenger insists he is taking Boro seriously as his Arsenal outfit look to defend their cup title with victory at the Emirates Stadium.
"We will not have the excuse to be surprised because they beat Manchester City in a convincing way," Wenger said.
"That is a good warning for us. We are at home, we have a possibility to go to the quarter-finals so we cannot be surprised by them, that's for sure.
"It's a big challenge, but big opportunity as well. That's how we have to look at it. We have the luck with the draw to play at the Emirates so let's take this opportunity."
