There is a tantalising FA Cup quarter-final encounter in store for sport fans on Monday night between rivals Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked members of the respective UAE Supporters Clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
Ziad – Manchester United Supporters Club UAE
Seems like it was only yesterday when Patrick Vieira gave 'Giggsy' the ball and the Welshman ran through the Gunners back four with ease before smashing it past David Seaman.
This fixture is key in a number of ways. Not only because we want to progress in the FA Cup but a victory could knock Arsenal's confidence and we all know they crumble easily under pressure.
Coming off the midweek fixtures both teams were made to work by their opponents, however our passing and possession against Newcastle was a joy to watch, but the final ball is still lacking. Neverthelss, I expect us to score a few goals against Arsenal's dodgy back four.
Rooney playing up top is the correct gameplan. Whether he is scoring the goals or chasing down the opposition, he has proven he is more of a threat in two games than RVP and Radamel Falcao have all season.
Di Maria looks low on confidence and is facing a similar slump in form to what Alexis Sanchez is going through at the moment. Talent isn't lost overnight so I put this down to him becoming familar and settling into a new league and country. He will come good if given time. If Arsenal leave gaps, he is clever enough to exploit them and make the Gunners pay.
Our form reads only 2 losses in 22 games so for all the negative comments from pundits and writers those numbers prove we are not just lucky. The atmosphere will be electric at Old Trafford on what will surely be another FA Cup classic.
Man United predicted line-up:
(4-4-1-1) De Gea – Valencia – Rojo – Evans – Young – Carrick – Fellaini – Herrera – Blind – Di Maria – Rooney
Manchester United player to watch: Wayne Rooney
He just has a knack at finding the net against Arsenal.
Arsenal Player to watch: Olivier Giroud
He has the potential to trouble us with his height and physicality in a tight match.
Predicted Result: 2-1 to Man United.
Richard D’Cruze – Arsenal Supporters Club UAE
This week’s FA Cup quarter-final match between Manchester United and Arsenal is a notable one. Not only does it pit two of English football’s biggest giants against each other, it is also sees an old rivalry spark in the quarter-final of the nation’s oldest competition.
The rivalry between United and Arsenal is a historic one, which largely arose in the mid-1990s when there was enmity between two of English football’s longest-serving managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, and their former club captains Patrick Viera and Roy Keane.
Both sides have dominated English football for the longest time. Manchester United won the Premier League a record-breaking 20 times, while Arsenal won it on 13 occasions. They hold a joint record of 11 FA Cup trophies, with Arsenal last winning the trophy in 2014 and Man U in 2004.
Arsenal’s track record against Manchester United in recent times has been poor. Out of the 219 meetings since October 13, 1894, when United were known as Newton Heath, the north London side have won 78 of them, and drew 48. The last time the two powerhouses met in the FA Cup was in 2011, which the Red Devils won 2-0.
Defending champions Arsenal go into the match as FA Cup favourites. Sitting in third place in the Barclay’s Premier League, their form in domestic football has improved since the 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in February. Manchester, on the other hand, are one point behind them in fourth place and have lost only two of their last 22 games.
This match is both Arsenal and Manchester United’s last chance to end the season with silverware, unless Arsenal hit the jackpot against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.
Sunday’s showdown also sees United old-boy Danny Welbeck return to his old stomping ground at Old Trafford, and former Arsenal talisman Robin van Persie face off against his former employers.
Arsenal predicted line-up:
(4-3-3) Ospina – Gibbs – Koscielny -Mertesacker – Bellerin – Coquelin – Ramsey – Cazorla – Sanchez – Walcott – Giroud
Arsenal player to watch: Alexis Sanchez –
The Chilean has been in impeccable form in his debut season and has carried Arsenal through. Ending a goal draught that started on January 11, Sanchez will be looking to find the back of the net to add to his tally of 13 goals in search of his first trophy in English football.
Manchester United player to watch: Angel di Maria –
The Argentine hasn't had the best debut season since his record move from Real Madrid. After a torrid performance against Sunderland last week, he will be looking to find the form that once made him a beast of a winger at Santiago Bernabeau.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Arsenal. Should the match go to a shoot-out, I see Arsenal being victorious 5-3.
Where to watch: The Official Arsenal UAE Supporters Club usually gather at Spirals bar at Grandeur Hotel in Al Barsha. However, due to refurbishment reasons, Arsenal UAE will be gathering at The Crown & Lion Bar at Byblos Hotel in TECOM. For more information please contact [email protected]
