Manchester United host Arsenal in the FA Cup sixth round and will hope to continue their impressive home streak against them, with the Gunners going more than half a decade without victory at Old Trafford. But given the performances Louis van Gaal's men are putting in, would it really be a surprise if Alexis Sanchez and Co. come away with a victory and a semi-final berth?
Manchester United Setup
United are in a tough spot when it comes to defensive options, as Jonny Evans has been banned for six games after being charged for spitting at Papiss Cisse, per BBC Sport. With Luke Shaw also a question mark, Marcos Rojo may have to continue at left-back, and Paddy McNair would come in at centre-back.
In midfield, things are much more stable with Wayne Rooney slated to start up front, giving Daley Blind and Ander Herrera the chance to play together once again and improve their relationship.
Possible Utd XI.Marouane Fellaini was preferred to Juan Mata against Newcastle United despite playing 4-2-3-1 with the Belgian in the hole, but Van Gaal may opt to switch that around this time. Michael Carrick finally returned from injury off the bench, but he likely won't be rushed back.
Ashley Young's been a standout performer and is the one to watch here.
Arsenal Setup
Gabriel Paulista has fully embraced the Arsenal way, injuring his hamstring and being ruled out for three weeks, per Sky Sports. Per Mertesacker should be straight in to replace him and play alongside Laurent Koscielny.
Olivier Giroud has been in excellent form, scoring in every game, so he should lead the line and relegate Danny Welbeck to the bench—especially if Aaron Ramsey is fit and available to play.
Possible Arsenal XI.
As ever, Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal will vie for the left-back spot, and Hector Bellerin will fight Calum Chambers for the opposite berth. Mathieu Debuchy, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are not ready to return, while Abou Diaby is, of course, injured.
Expect a defensive 4-3-3 built to counter-attack and play in transitions.
Key Point 1: Francis Coquelin vs. United's "Creativity"
Arsenal no longer dominate possession and leave themselves open to the counter—they sit in, play careful and explode on the reverse themselves. A key part of this switch in approach has been the emergence of Francis Coquelin in the holding midfield position.
The expected 4-3-3 uses a proper anchor and shrinks the space available in front of the centre-backs, and Coquelin stands a very proactive, alert player who fills the limited role very well.
It's up to Manchester United, somehow, to find a spark of creativity to break this down. They play slow and safe—some harsher fans simply label it boring—and need to up their tempo considerably if they're to create chances in this one.
Angel Di Maria needs to string himself together, and the midfield needs to be bolder. Stop playing sideways passes and easy options. Radamel Falcao was left untouched on the bench as United searched for a winner midweek against Newcastle United.
Key Point 2: David de Gea vs. the World
With Giroud and Mesut Ozil in form, Arsenal are a serious threat in transitions. They move from back to front quickly, and with two players so capable at linking attacks and so many runners happy to sprint behind, they can score in seconds.
