Tuesday 17 February 2015

United v Arsenal the pick of the ties in the quarter-finals

United's reward for battling past Preston in the fifth round is a home quarter-final with old foes and current Cup holders Arsenal.

Although United v Arsenal is no longer the snarling, ferocious, hatred-fuelled encounter it once was, there is  still something about the fixture that gives both sets of fans a sense of nostalgia. 

Both fans still want to get one over on each other and the undoubted tie of the round adds extra spice to an already intruiging quarter final line up.

Blackburn will be looking to follow up their impressive wins over Swansea and Stoke with an even bigger Premier League scalp as they face Liverpool at Anfield, whilst Midlands rivals Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion meet at Villa Park in another mouth-watering tie. 

There will be at least one team from outside the top tier in the last four as giant-killing Bradford- who have put out both Chelsea and Sunderland- host Championship outfit Reading at Valley Parade.

United manager Louis van Gaal was pleased that the draw threw up a home tie for the Reds, and said:
"I think that is the most important thing, we have a draw at home against a big opponent, so for us it is very good.
"I am very happy that we can now play against Arsenal and for the first time in the competition we are at home.
"That is important in FA Cup matches and we believe that we can now go on to the semi-finals."

United are sure to be roared on by a sold out Old Trafford and, that, together with strong home form this term and an excellent recent record against the Gunners (one defeat in 15 games), will leave the Reds confident of a 28th FA Cup semi final and our first since the 2010/11 season.

The quarter final match ups will take place over the weekend of 7/8 March and the United v Arsenal encounter will be shown live on BBC One. 

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