FA Cup 2018-19- Arsenal vs Manchester United: Detailed match preview
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a big challenge ahead of himself tonight when Manchester United face Arsenal in the FA Cup. United have won seven consecutive matches under Solskjaer, even managing to defeat Tottenham at Wembley. Will Unai Emery be able to stop Solskjaer's winning streak, or will United be triumphant again? We bring to you a detailed match preview.
Some interesting facts to gear you up for the match
United and Arsenal have met 14 times in the FA Cup, eliminating each other seven times. Arsenal have hosted United twice in the FA Cup- January 1937, winning 5-0 and February 1988, winning 2-1. In terms of their round four matches, United have 13 out of their last 14. Against EPL sides, Arsenal have won 12 FA Cup matches out of their last 13.
How are the Gunners gearing up for the encounter?
Danny Welbeck (ankle) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (foot), both former Manchester United players, will be out due to injuries. Hector Bellerin will be out for the entire season after he injured his knee. Emery will most probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Lacazette leading the attack. Petr Cech will be at the Arsenal goal for this encounter.
How are Manchester United getting ready?
Former Arsenal player Alexis Sanchez is expected to be back into the team for this encounter. Marouane Fellaini, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo still remain unavailable due to their injury concerns. Luke Shaw is back from his illness and will be back tonight. Solskjaer will most likely use a 4-3-3 formation in the match, deploying Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Sanchez as forwards.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Arsenal: Cech, Lichtsteiner, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal, Guendouzi, Xhaka, Willock, Ozil, Iwobi, Lacazette. Manchester United: David de Gea, Young, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw, Herrera, Matic, Pogba, Mata, Lukaku, Alexis. The match will kick-off at 1:25 AM IST and will be telecast on the Sony LIV.
Who can win this encounter?
Though Manchester United are in supreme form right now, it cannot be said that the match will be easy for either party. Both teams have enough firepower to score goals, and it remains to be seen who does the defending better. Both teams have a lot at stake and will want to win the match at any cost. United might win 2-0.
