Both teams are desperate for silverware this season…
Manchester United tonight play host to Arsenal in the final FA Cup quarter-final to decide who will take their place at Wembley to play in the last four of what has been an enthralling tournament this season.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United news
Barcelona Join Manchester United & Chelsea In Race To Sign ‘New Neymar’
Arsenal rumours
Here are five things we can look out for in the encounter:
Can Ozil and Sanchez play in the same team?
Arsenal’s £42.5 million signing, Mesut Ozil, had a three month absence from the side earlier this season which happened to coincide with an incredible run of form from former Barcelona man Alexis Sanchez. Now he has returned, the Chilean’s form seems to have dropped off somewhat and while this could be down to the lack of a winter break, it does seem suspicious. Both players like space to roam across the front three and it isn’t inconceivable that both players are getting in each other’s way.
Arsenal must adapt their game to suit the occasion, so as to avoid another Old Trafford defeat
Last season Arsenal put to bed a nine year trophy drought after beating Hull City in the FA Cup final, though pundits are now focused on another. It is nine years since the Gunners last tasted success as Old Trafford, a game in which Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal. Since then, they have played 10, drawn one and lost nine, including an 8-2 demolition. Arsenal play an expansive attacking game, which can often cause them to come unstuck against top sides so they will need a rethink, much like in their impressive away win against Manchester City.
First goal is of paramount importance
In the last 10 matches between the two sides which have been won by one or another, the side that scored the first goal has gone on to win in nine of them. The last time either of the teams came back from a goal down was in 2009, after Andrey Arshavin put the Gunners one up before being cancelled out by a Wayne Rooney penalty and Abou Diaby own-goal.
Van Gaal must decide Falcao’s future
Radamel Falcao has, so far, been one of the major flop stories of the summer transfer window after arriving at Old Trafford with a formidable CV of goal-getting. It looks like he will be available for transfer in summer, and it will be a statement from manager Louis van Gaal if he chooses to play him in a match of such importance.
One manager will want to win the trophy more
Both Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal have both launched into self-preservation mode, by claiming how the FA Cup is not as important as securing a top four spot. That said, neither manager will be going into this game expecting, or setting up, to lose and will hope that a safe passage into the semi-finals of the FA Cup will provide a timely momentum boost to go on and secure a Champions League spot.