Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford and sparks have already commenced flying in all directions. United striker Carlos Tevez is set to feature in the clash and says that winning at Old Trafford would gift them a psychological edge for the rest of the season in the English Premier League.
The Red Devils fell 5 points behind the Gunners last weekend, but the 23-year old Argentine international striker says that winning against Arsenal in the FA Cup would motivate them for the rest of the season. Tevez says:
If we win this match it would be hugely important for the title race.
Psychologically, we have the opportunity to deliver a huge blow to our rivals. People say that the Premier League is one question and the Cup is another. I understand that but don’t really agree.
They are our rivals so any victory is important and that is why our squad is so concentrated ahead of this match.
The FA Cup has a special feel and flavour but if we can win it would do much more for us than just give us a pass into the next round. This match is like a final to us in so many ways.
I don’t care if it is a good game because victory in this one is everything. A good game can wait until another day.
People are actually expecting this game to be a fiercely contested one and so it will be. But Arsenal will travel to Old Trafford with a severely depleted squad with just 14 players in the team since the rest are injured. Man United should be the favourites for this match but you can count on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger firing up his troops before the match.