Wenger is very wary of Sutton’s artificial surface

ARSENAL have trained on an artificial pitch as under-fire boss Arsene Wenger aims to avoid FA Cup embarrassment tonight against non-league Sutton.

The National League side play on a 3G surface at their Gander Green Lane ground and Wenger has admitted the pitch is the biggest problem his men will have to deal with.

Football League sides Leeds, AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham have all failed to win at the ground in this season’s competition and should Arsenal be added to that list, the pressure on Wenger will intensify.

The Frenchman’s 20-year reign has come under scrutiny following a 5-1 Champions League thrashing at Bayern Munich last week, while two defeats in three Premier League games have all but ended hopes of a domestic title.

With the FA Cup appearing to offer Wenger the best chance of silverware this season, the Gunners manager has left nothing to chance in his preparations.

Asked what the main dangers facing his side would be, Wenger said: “First of all the pitch.

“Secondly their enthusiasm and, thirdly, that we are not ready for a big fight and sub-consciously think that they are a non-league team and it is no matter — but that will not happen.

“Ideally we would like to play on a normal pitch but it has been accepted and the competition is to deal with what you face. We will face an unusual pitch and we will have to deal with it.

“We will practise inside because it is an artificial pitch. It is not the same because it is a dry pitch and Sutton, I have heard, have a wet pitch which they water before the game and is quicker. So we have to get used to the different speed.”