Coming into this match knowing the fact that this is their only meaningful chance of winning the cup this season, the reigning Champions of the FA Cup will be under more pressure than their hosts. Although they won this competition last time, it seems like an eternity away for the Arsenal fans who are demanding of more trophies from their manager on a consistent basis. And with their league form pointing towards another top 4 finish, Arsenal will be hoping to top it off with a trophy this season.
Here is how they are expected to lineup against Manchester United: –
David Ospina
Although his form on the pitch has given Arsenal boss the reason to select him more often, the antics of his counterpart Szczesny have also worked in the favor of the Colombian. With 4 clean-sheets in 8 games in the Premier League, Ospina is expected to get a nod ahead of Szczesny in the Arsenal starting lineup on Monday.
Per Mertesacker
When he earned an axe after that woeful performance against AS Monaco in the Champions League, it was thought that the German would be out of long term. However, with the injury to former Villarreal defender Gabriel, Mertesacker is expected to start right from the offset.
Laurent Koscielny
Being the only member of the Arsenal squad that ditched the criticism following the dismantling at the hands of Monaco, Koscielny will have to face his worth again against the likes of Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney.
Bellerin
With Debuchy still on the sidelines after suffering an injury in that win against Stoke City, Bellerin is expected to play in the right full back role.
Kieran Gibbs
Although the defender faces a tough competition in every game from his counterpart Monreal to be in the starting 11, his recent performances should convince Arsene Wenger to include him in his team to face Manchester United.
Francis Coquelin
For a player who allowed Arsene Wenger a breathing space last time when the visited Manchester, Coqulein will be again under the spotlight on Monday. Last time when Arsenal travelled to Manchester, it was the performance by the Frenchman that allowed Arsenal to record a historic win against the reigning Premier League Champions Manchester City.
Santi Cazorla
Although the goals have dried up for the Spaniard of late, his presence would be enough to keep the Manchester United defender on their toes.
Chamberlain
While he wasn’t a part of the Arsenal team that started the game against QPR on the weekend, Chamberlain – due to his pace – is expected to get a nod ahead of Rosicky who replaced him last weekend against QPR.
Alexis Sanchez
Before the game against QPR the pressure was mounting on the Chilean as his goal seem to dry up in a crucial period of the season. However, with a goal under his belt finally after a barren spell of 7 games without a goal, the Chilean could look forward to achieve his early season form once again.
Olivier Giroud
For a player whose position was under question right from the dawn of the new season, Giroud has answered his critics in a superb manner. With 5 goals in last 5 matches, Giroud has to be kept quiet if Manchester United want to be in the Semifinal.
Mesut Ozil
Even though Theo Walcott has returned from injury and Danny Welbeck would love a re-union with his former club, Ozil is expected to play in the right wing role for Arsenal on Monday.
Manchester United Vs Arsenal will be played at the Old Trafford Stadium on Monday, 9th March.
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