Who will come out on top in the battle of the Titans?

Manchester United and Arsenal meet this evening in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The two sides meet at Old Trafford on the back of disappointing losses in their last games.

Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat at bitter North West rivals Liverpool.

Arsenal are still recovering from their morale sapping 3-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League.

Neither club go into the clash in the best of spirits. The team who responses best to their last defeat will come out on top in this clash.

Psychology

With both sides hoping to claim the Premier League title come May victory in this game could give the victors a vital psychological edge. Psychology has become increasing important in title races with rival managers using the media to psyche out opposition managers and players.

There is no better manager in the Premier League at mind games than United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot has come out on top of many of his Premier League rivals in the mind games stakes and is famed for his use of the media to wind up rivals and gaining an edge.

Vital

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger thinks this clash will be vital. The Frenchman told Sky Sports: “At the moment the two teams have a little disappointment with results recently, so it is still the one who deals with that the best who can come out on top,”

“Manchester United lost two games, we just lost two [big games] as well, so it is how well we deal with that which will be certainly vital”

Cup

I think after losing to Barcelona in the Champions League this game has taken on an extra importance for Arsenal. The Gunners are still looking for silverware after suffering defeat in the Carling Cup to Birmingham City a few weeks ago and now this competition is looking like their best chance of winning a trophy.

With their interest in the Champions League and Carling Cup now over there is only the FA Cup and Premier League title left to chase. The long wait for silverware could be extended another season if Arsene Wenger’s side don’t beat Manchester United.

Recover

Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson seem to recover very quickly from disappointing results. They may have suffered consecutive defeats but I can see them bouncing back from their defeats better than the Gunners. I can’t remember the last time United lose three games in a row, it just doesn’t happen.

I believe that Manchester United are mentally stronger than their rivals. Arsenal have looked mentally vulnerable in the past few years and that’s why they have struggled to win trophies.

Neutrals

This clash will be a great watch for the neutrals two of English football’s giants going head to head in a bid to try and get back to winning ways. Only one side can progress into the semi-finals and for the losers it could be a fatal blow to their confidence.

I really can’t see Manchester United losing this game. Arsene Wenger may have belief in his side but I think their confidence will have taken a hit after their last two defeats and United will be too tough a challenge for the Gunners.

Who will come out on top in this big FA Cup clash?