Photo: Wayne Rooney and Alex Oxdale-Chamberlain in a tussle for control of the ball (Getty Imgaes)
With eleven titles apiece between them, Manchester United hosts the Gunners of Arsenal at Old Trafford in a gigantic quarter-final tie. The defending champions are confident of retaining their FA Cup title especially with Premier League leaders Chelsea and second place Manchester City already eliminated. The FA Cup is perhaps the only silverware that Louis van Gaal can lift this season and has confirmed that his boys will be doing all they can to get their hands on this piece of silverware this season.
The Red Devils have not tasted FA Cup glory since 2004 despite dominating the Premier League era and winning titles year after year under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Van Gaal finds himself in a real scrap for a place in the top four, sitting fourth just a point behind Monday’s opponents. United has gotten the better of Arsenal already this season thanks a Kieran Gibbs own-goal and a Wayne Rooney strike in a 2-1 away victory.
The Gunners have been on a good run of form lately, picking up points consistently in the past month but was brought back own to earth, losing 3-1 to AS Monaco in the Champions League.
Arsene Wenger knows the challenge he faces going to Old Trafford, but will remember celebrating the Premier League title at the same ground back in May 2002. The French professor however has failed to register a win against his once most fierce rivals since Aaron Ramsey scored the winner in a 1-0 victory back in 2011.
The Red Devils has a healthy squad to select from with only Robin van Persie out injuried. There is great news for United that Michael Carrick may start after returning from injury in their last-gasp win at Newcastle. Luke Shaw is a doubt but may be replaced at left back by Daley Blind if he is not fit enough to start. Questions remain whether record signing Angel Di Maria should keep his place in the first eleven and whether Rooney will continue as the main striker or he will be partnered by Radamel Falcao or James Wilson.
On the other hand Wenger should be without defender Gabriel who suffered a hamstring injury against QPR. Midfielders Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta remains on the sidelines as does French right defender Mathieu Debuchy. Spanish left back Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Flamini are also doubtful as they are carrying knocks.
This should be an enticing clash between two English powerhouses who likes to play attractive and attacking football. The philosopher, Louis van Gaal faces the professor in Arsene Wenger in what could be a tactical warfare. Recent history gives United the slight edge as they have won 8 of the last 12 games against the Gunners. However the champions won’t lie down and play dead and could upset the odds if they manage to unsettle the Old Trafford crowd early in the match.
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