Manchester United v Arsenal
Saturday March 12, Old Trafford
We’ve been avoiding the Cups so far this year – but this one is too good to ignore. Increasingly the English football season looks to be the tale of two clubs; the powerhouse defending champions Manchester United, and the rising tide of Arsenal with their infectious offensive play. FA Cup advancement is the prize on offer here, but you get the feeling there is a whole lot more at play. Bragging rights. A psychological edge. The chance to “accidentally” injure one of the opposition’s key players (for further details on this please reference Jamie Carragher and his “tackle” on Nani last week).
It’s been a tough week for the Red Devils, with losses against Chelsea and Liverpool battering their title ambitions, and injuries to key players reducing their depth. With a season that once promised historical greatness now in danger of developing into a series of forgettable near misses, the pressure is well and truly on – and if the eerie silence that came from the club following their loss on the weekend is anything to go by, it might just be getting to them.
Mind you, the Gunners haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire of late themselves. A disastrous meltdown in the Carling Cup final was followed by a squandered opportunity against Sunderland last time out. Missed opportunities are the order of the day for these guys right now as well, and with a schedule that offers them a Champions League showdown against Barcelona followed by the FA Cup matchup featured here – that could spell disaster for their season.
Can Arsenal get the nod in what promises to be a titanic clash? Or will Manchester United send a warning shot to their main rivals that whilst they may be down, they are far from out? Rooney & co? Or Fabregas and the crew? Arsene Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson? The ebullience of the Gunners? Or the time honoured legacy of Red Devil Pride? Make your pick ladies and gentlemen.
I’m thinking Arsenal. Strange things are afoot at Old Trafford and I think the Gunners can get themselves together for what would be a historic victory. Van Persie to score.
Away (Arsenal), 1-0, Van Persie
The Shirtman
PS – If you do not submit your tip prior to kick off you will be credited with The Shirtman’s score.
