Credit: ITV
It promises to be a huge game in what is the most anticipated tie of the FA Cup on Monday night; as Arsenal look to defend their title as FA Cup winners and Manchester United seek to rediscover the glory of the cup having not won it since 2004.
"“It’s a special intensity because it’s between two teams with a chance of winning,” said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. “We are the holders of the FA Cup and we want to keep it.”"
There are no players left in the United team since that FA Cup final against Millwall in 2004. The last United player to play in that game still at the club was Darren Fletcher up until his recent move to West Brom. Now it is up to the new Manchester United to claim the cup for themselves.
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So, who will be the difference maker in the game?
David De Gea vs Olivier Giroud
Both are good in the air, and both are in terrific form. The showdown between striker and goalkeeper is an obvious one but no less important.
When Giroud was injured at the start of the season, ex-United striker Danny Welbeck was given the chance to impress and initially did so. However, in recent times he has dropped off form and with Giroud back from injury Welbeck is unlikely to start over the Frenchman. If he does, he will be on the wing and much less of a threat to De Gea.
Giroud is still very much a threat but De Gea has been a consistent performer of the highest calibre this season and shows no sign of stopping. He has made a number of key saves, and many of them are spectacular when watching them back.
It is this edge which makes me think he will win the battle against Giroud. The question is, can the men in front of him do the same?
Daley Blind vs Francis Coquelin
These two players hold the power in the midfield, which in turn means they in charge of not only helping the defence out but also providing an attacking opportunity.
Blind is much more experienced, but Coquelin has been one of the leagues surprise packages this season. The young Frenchman is statistically the leagues best defensive midfielder, with the highest number of interceptions and duels won since his return to Arsenal after a stint at The Valley for Charlton Athletic. He is a welcome sight for Arsenal fans who usually see their centre midfielders sidelined with injury so as long as he stays fit he will continue to be given a part to play.
While Coquelin may have stolen the show with his performances at the Emirates, over at Old Trafford Daley Blind has been quietly going about his job remarkably well. The midfield is often being changed by Louis van Gaal but Blind has done the job whenever it was needed and has shown his abilities going forward occasionally too.
Both players have a huge task on their hands to contain the attacking threat posed by both teams and both are versatile too making this a tough one to call. This is the type of battle that will go under the radar but is in reality arguably the most key of all the battles.
Radamel Falcao vs Per Mertesacker
Now this one could be a little one sided. The towering German centre-back has his inconsistencies at Arsenal but far less compared to the man he will be marking on the night. Radamel Falcao is likely to get the nod despite not featuring in the win against Newcastle in the week. He has had a season of mostly poor touches and forgettable games, clear cut chances missed and the division between fans as some call for him to stay while others can’t wait to see him leave.
Falcao has always been physically disadvantaged against his opponents and his proneness to injuries doesn’t help him much either. Mertesacker is renowned for his strength and it would take a lot for someone to match him for this. Louis van Gaal may be tempted to put Fellaini in there to counter this, or rely on Rooney to shoulder the burden.
Manchester United vs Arsenal is unlikely to live up to it’s heyday of battles galore on the pitch but if either side is to progress to Wembley without the need of a replay, they’ll need to win these battles first.