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Sutton sure of hosting Arsenal in FA Cup

Sutton United are confident that they will be able to host Premier League giants Arsenal at their 5,000-capacity Gander Green Lane home in the FA Cup fifth round.

National League side Sutton have beaten the Football League's Cheltenham Town, AFC Wimbledon and Leeds United on a fairytale run into the last 16 of the competition.

A truly remarkable tie awaits them, with Arsenal - the FA Cup's joint-most successful team with 12 trophy wins - drawn away to Paul Doswell's men.

Sutton play on an artificial pitch, in a ground 12 times smaller than the Gunners' Emirates Stadium.

Reports had suggested that Selhurst Park - roughly eight miles away across south London - could host the game, but Sutton chairman Bruce Elliott wants to invite Arsene Wenger's stars to Gander Green Lane.

He told BBC Radio London: "We would only do that for safety reasons. The FA are very keen to play the game at Sutton.

"We have proven we can have a full house and the police have been very happy. 

"We have every intention of the game going ahead at Sutton because that is what the FA Cup is all about."