By Emmanuel Ebimoh
One of football’s biggest rivalries would once again stir our emotions tonight as Arsenal, 13 times FA Cup champions, face Manchester United, 12 times champions in a sizzling quarter final FA Cup match. Indeed, there will be no love gained neither will there be time for pleasantries as these two English football giants slug it out for pride and glory.
After winning the prestigious trophy 3 times in four years, Arsenal would fancy another trophy in the cabinet if they go pass Manchester United tonight. The Gunners, bolstered by the 2-0 victory over Chelsea in their last EPL game, would be facing another tough test in the rejuvenated United side.
Manchester United have been in superb form since caretaker coach Ole Gunnar Solksjaer took charge in December last year, winning seven consecutive games. The ‘babyface assassin’ as he is fondly called has so far brought out a certain kind of spark in the united players, as they have been firing from all angles, scoring 19 goals in their last seven games. A win for United tonight would be Solskjaer’s 8th consecutive wins, and maybe a launch to his first trophy as a manager.
For Unai Emery, his Arsenal side once again have everything to play for as they hope to go past their perennial rival, while for Manchester United, it might just be another Alex Ferguson’s era with the ‘babyface assassin’ in charge.
Elsewhere, Bristol City will take on Bolton in the other 4th round FA Cup game of the night.