4 things that will decide Manchester United vs Arsenal FA Cup tie
It’s the FA Cup weekend and on 10th March Arsenal will visit Old Trafford to reignite its rivalry with Manchester United, this time in the quarterfinal stage of the Cup. While it has been a completely bumpy ride for Loius van Gaal’s team, Arsenal also have had their own problems. The match, apart from being the cup tie, has another significance – the outcome of this game will give us fuzzy picture of the top 4 of the Premier League. Here are the four things that will decide the outcome of the match –
#1 Injury and bans
Both the clubs have injury concerns. None of the Arsenal players are serving suspensions, but Manchester United have their central defender Johnny Evans banned for 6 games for spitting on Pappis Cisse. So Phil Jones might be brought back into the starting eleven to partner Chris Smalling. This will see Marcos Rojo being pushed out wide into the left back position. Luke Shaw might also get the nod, with Rojo partnering Jones or Smalling. But since he is having a poor run of form, Shaw might find his name listed in the substitutes.
Robin van Persie is doubtful of starting against his old club. The Dutch striker last played for United in the away fixture against Swansea City. This won’t be a headache for Van Gaal since he has Wayne Rooney, who is in a great form, to cover for Van Persie.
Gabriel Paulista is out injured and Wenger might start with Per Mertesacker in the center of the defence along with Laurent Koscielny. Wenger now has an experienced player, but he knows that losing Gabriel is like snatching speed and agility from Arsenal’s defence.
In short, Arsenal have been affected badly by injuries compared to United. But Evans’ ban has balanced the scales.