The FA Cup might not be as popular as it once was, but big ties like this will always whet the appetite. Arsenal versus Manchester United is an FA Cup classic. From the Ryan Giggs game to the FA Cup Final win for Arsenal (on penalties) in the 2005 season, through to the infamous game where Nani carried out many flicks and tricks, this is a tie that has – more often than not – went in favor of United.
Can Arsenal finally put an end to that?
Arsenal News
The injuries are racking up for the Gunners, with injuries to the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hector Bellerin, Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding vastly limiting their squad depth. We could see Mesut Ozil return to the team, though it would be a surprise given his complete drop-off from the first team picture under Unai Emery.
We could also see some of the younger players get a game, with Emery showing no fear in putting faith in the next generation.
Manchester United News
United, though, come with some interesting issues of their own. Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw might sit this one out, with both having played a lot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. We could also see Marouane Fellaini miss out, after his injury looked quite serious.
With a home league game against Burnley just four days after this one, expect United to rotate heavily: a previously unlike shot at the Champions League spots has come into view, so this could be sacrificed to make way for it.
Other Sport Thoughts
This weeks other ‘sport thoughts’ cast an eye to one of the biggest sporting event of 2019, namely the Grand National held in April at Aintree racecourse. For those interested in placing a wager on horse racing in addition to their typical football bets, I can think of no better racing event to chance your arm on. With such a big field, there are a good number of outsiders for those looking for a big win at a small outlay, and for punters with a more cautious approach, you’d no doubt be joining thousands in betting on a Grand National favourite. Tiger Roll is current favourite. Perhaps he’s the one for you?
Verdict
Back to the game! With United in such amazing form under their caretaker coach but Arsenal slowly finding form, too, we think this could be a draw. Neither side will really want to take a replay, but we could see both sides lacking the bodies to push for a winner, which could create the spectacle of a repeat game up at Old Trafford.