Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Stream and TV Info
Not too long ago, Manchester United's clashes with Arsenal were title-deciders. These days, these two giants have to console themselves with lesser prizes.
On Monday night, they'll face off at Old Trafford for a place in an FA Cup semi-final.
The repercussions of this match could extend beyond the cup: A win for either side would hand them significant momentum in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
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Both sides need this. After their home humbling against Monaco, the FA Cup represents Arsenal's most realistic shot at silverware this year. For United and manager Louis van Gaal, this is the last remaining opportunity to secure a trophy with which to toast the inaugural season of the Dutchman's reign.
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
TV Info: BBC One (U.K.), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)
Live Stream: BBC Sport (U.K.), Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)
Form Guide (last five results of both teams)
Manchester United:
- W (0-1) vs. Newcastle United
- W (2-0) vs. Sunderland
- L (2-1) vs. Swansea
- W (1-3) vs. Preston North End
- W (3-1) vs. Burnley
Arsenal:
- W (1-2) vs. QPR
- W (2-0) vs. Everton
- L (1-3) vs. Monaco
- W (1-2) vs. Crystal Palace
- W (2-0) vs. Middlesbrough
Both teams have won four of their last five games, but from a historical perspective, United certainly have the upper hand heading into this encounter.
United have lost just one of their last 15 games against Arsenal, while the Gunners haven't picked up a win at Old Trafford since 2006.
Team News
According to WhoScored.com, Robin van Persie will not be available to face his former club due to an ankle injury. United will also be without Jonny Evans as he begins a six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse.
Arsenal will likely be without Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista but could hand a recall to Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Predicted Manchester United XI: David De Gea; Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw; Daley Blind, Ander Herrera; Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Angel di Maria; Wayne Rooney.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Wojciech Szczesny; Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs; Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey; Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez; Olivier Giroud.
Players to Watch
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney
Rooney has a tremendous record against Arsenal and will be looking to continue that having been restored to his preferred role as a centre-forward.
The injury to Van Persie has forced Van Gaal to re-deploy Rooney on attack, which seems to have significantly improved United's movement and goal threat in the final third. The timing is perfect: Rooney will be fired up to face one of the teams that consistently brings the best out of him.
Arsenal: Francis Coquelin
Arsenal will be hoping to overturn the weight of recent history in this fixture. What's different this time? Well, for one thing, they have Coquelin to call upon.
The midfielder was instrumental in the recent win at the Etihad and will need to be at his destructive best if Arsenal are to break their habit and triumph at Old Trafford.
James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.
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