FA Cup Quarterfinal Preview
Arsenal celebrate a goal at the Emirates. PHOTO CREDIT: Arsenal twitter account @Arsenal.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Where: Old Trafford in Greater Manchester, England
When: Monday, March 9 at 3:45 Eastern on Fox Sports 1
Overview: These two sides last met in the FA Cup at exactly this stage 4 years ago, where the Red Devils were victorious 2-0 at Old Trafford. As a matter of fact, Manchester United have had Arsenal’s number since the Gunners’ 2005 FA Cup Final triumph in penalty kicks. Since then, Arsenal have only defeated the Red Devils 4 times in their past 23 meetings, including an 8-2 embarrassment in August of 2011. Earlier this season, United won 2-1 at the Emirates after an out-of-this-world display from keeper David De Gea. The two sides are the most successful sides in the competition as each have hoisted the trophy 11 times.
Live Feed
The Top Flight
Manchester United come into the fixture in 4th place in the Premier League, barely holding on to the last Champions League spot. They defeated Yeovil Town, Cambridge United, and Preston North End en route to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. While pundits have argued that this United side has not nearly performed to their potential, the results have yielded important points of late. Wayne Rooney netted twice last weekend, scoring some much needed goals after quite the drought. The Red Devils will need his goal scoring touch with Robin van Persie seeing an extended amount of time on the training table. The England international leads the team with 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Arsenal continue to roll out positive results in a string of solid performances that have ascended them to 3rd in the EPL table. The defending FA Cup champions have disposed of Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Middlesbrough on their run for a repeat. They will undoubtedly face their biggest road test since falling victim to North London rivals Tottenham a month ago in EPL action. Alexis Sanchez scored a crucial goal against QPR on Wednesday to get back in the goal scoring column after a mini-drought. The Chilean leads the side with 19 goals in all competitions. Red-hot Olivier Giroud is on quite the run of form and is second on the team with 13 goals despite missing a big chunk of the season with a fractured leg.
Live Feed
Pain in the Arsenal
Players to Watch: The Red Devils need Angel DiMaria to return to early season form. Louis van Gaal has lost patience and pulled the hook early on the Argentine in matches recently. If Manchester United are to break through, DiMaria will need to make penetrating runs without giving the ball away cheaply.
It’s no secret that Arsenal have been successful when Alexis Sanchez has been on his game. His bulldog mentality and work rate will be important in finally getting a ball past David De Gea, who absolutely shut the door on Arsenal on many occasions in the first match between these sides this season.
Prediction: Manchester United 1, Arsenal 1. Both sides do not need a replay as they are engulfed in a race for Champions League spots, but the FA Cup means too much for both to take it easy. United are a club rich in trophies and have been lacking one for too long. This is their best shot at one this season. The same applies to Arsenal as they look to repeat last season’s exploits and will get a return match at the Emirates with a draw in this one.
Next: LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire Preview