Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Monday night on the back of a couple of morale boosting league results following their 3-1 humiliation at the hands of AS Monaco. The Gunners picked up a 2-1 midweek win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, and would be looking to make amends on their record against Manchester United, particularly at the Theater of Dreams.
With players returning from injuries, Arsene Wenger should have most of his first-choice attacking options available for this one. And while Champions League remains the priority, the FA Cup holders will look to retain the trophy and assume outright supremacy in the competition at the expense of United.
Let’s put ourselves in Arsene Wenger’s shoes and pick his lineup to take on the Red Devils in their own backyard.
Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczesny
The Polish No.1 started in the previous round against Middlesbrough and should continue his duty in goal for the FA Cup matches.
Defence – Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal.
Hector Bellerin should get the nod over Calum Chambers at right back, while an injury to Gabriel Paulista means Per Mertesacker should reunite in central defence alongside Laurent Koscielny. Nacho Monreal should take his place at left back.
Midfield – Coquelin, Cazorla, Welbeck, Özil, Sanchez.
Santi Cazorla has done a commendable job in a holding role alongside Francis Coquelin, but whether he has the discipline to play that role against United’s attackers remains to be seen.
Danny Welbeck could come in against his former club on the right hand side with Mesut Özil operating centrally. The red hot Alexis Sanchez, who scored his 19th goal of the season against QPR, should be one to watch out for against a United defence that can be got at.
Striker – Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud is the obvious choice as the lone striker and could be a handful against the likes of Smalling and Evans.