Prediction: Manchester United vs Arsenal

It will be up to Manchester United to try and stop FA Cup holders Arsenal in their tracks, although the Red Devils will need to improve the standard of their performances in order to do so. Meanwhile, the Gunners continued the rich vein of form by beating QPR on the road and they are feeling confident about their chances of winning at Old Trafford.

Seeing as nobody really expected Manchester United to mount a serious title challenge after last season’s struggles, this campaign will be dubbed a success if the Red Devils secure a top 4 finish in the Premier League. Louis van Gaal’s side currently sit pretty in fourth, but with Liverpool and Tottenham breathing down their necks, a strong season finale is a must if they are to clinch Champions League qualification. At the same time, Manchester United will be in excellent position to lift the FA Cup trophy if they eliminate holders Arsenal, but that could prove easier said than done. Despite winning four of their last five matches on all fronts, it is clear the team are far from the desired form, with their build up play far from impressive. Taking also into account that Robin van Persie is out injured and Radamel Falcao is misfiring at the moment, Wayne Rooney is likely to find himself isolated up front, especially with key midfielder Angel di Maria struggling for form as well. Louis van Gaal will have Luke Shaw back to the side, but Jonny Evans starts a six-match ban. Michael Carrick has returned into action in midweek, but he still lacks match fitness.

English FA Cup has a special appeal for Arsenal as it was in this competition that the club finally ended a long wait for a major trophy and the Gunners now have a unique opportunity to defend the coveted trophy. Arsene Wenger’s charges did have an easy road to the quarter-finals, beating Hull City, Brighton and Middlesbrough, but let us not forget that the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all crashed out after defeats to much weaker opposition. Following some early season struggles, Arsenal did well to get their season back on track, and while the Premiership title seems out of reach, a four-match winning run saw them close the hap behind second-placed Manchester City to mere four points. Securing a top 4 berth remains a top priority, but there are no doubts the Gunners will give their best to try and lift the FA Cup trophy for the second year running. Arsene Wenger is widely expected to field a very strong side, although Wojciech Szczesny should deputize for David Ospina if he passes a fitness test. Nacho Monreal is another injury doubt, while Gabriel Paulista, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy are definitely out.

Conclusion

Despite playing below their potential, Manchester United kept the results respectable, but I can see the Red Devils facing problems in the clash with high-flying Arsenal. The Gunners appear to be in much better form than the opposition at the moment and I believe they will edge one step closer to defending the trophy.

Verdict: Arsenal to qualify

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365