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Arsenal vs Manchester United has probably been one of the most exciting fixtures in the history of English football. These two teams are arch-rivals and the fans just cannot see the other side bagging a win. Be it FA Cup, EFL or Premier League, a game between these two always go houseful!
Lately, Manchester United have been on incredible form as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over just a couple of months ago, and they are on a hot winning streak. Ole has won 7 out of his 7 games as a Manchester United manager, and he certainly will wish to extend his record for a couple of more games.
On the other hand, Arsenal lost to West Ham a few days back, but they came up big at home against Chelsea, strolling past their London rivals with two goals to nil, and taking away the three points as well. Both the teams are known for their success in FA Cup, as Arsenal are the side to have won the cup 13 times, one more than Manchester United.
So, what should Arsenal do to break Ole's hundred percent win record and soldier to the next round in the competition? For that, we have to take a look at Manchester United's team shape and style.
#3 Offer Pogba with no space to play the ball
The lesser Paul Pogba plays with the ball, the better for Arsenal.
Under Ole, Pogba has been the main man who has been assigned with the duties to create as well as score, and he has been in scintillating form under his new gaffer. He has been a key player for Manchester United and has found his feet at Old Trafford, after disappointing his former manager Jose Mourinho.
To stop United from attacking, the Arsenal midfielders will have to close Pogba down everytime he receives the ball. The Frenchman is an incredible long-ball provider and with quick wingers like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, Emery's men will have to be on their toes all the time.
Unai Emery will likely prefer a 4-4-2 diamond, as he did against Chelsea last weekend. Pogba plays through the centre and Unai must put a marker on him everytime United starts the attack.
Pogba has been controlling the midfield like a boss in every game, home or away, and it will be a huge task for the likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka to keep him silent.
#2 Play a high line of defence with effective offside traps
If Pogba gets space, his first thought is to play a killer air or through ball to his wingers. Emery prefers a high line but their offside traps have been just above average. While playing against a quick-attacking side like Manchester United, Emery and co will have to prepare pretty well to cope up with it.
If Arsenal plays with a low line of defence, it will hinder their attacking abilities resulting in no goals. Therefore, they must stick to their style.
Rashford and Martial can easily outrun the Arsenal defenders, but proper offside traps and perfect anticipation can do the job for Emery's men. I think Unai will go with the same 4-4-2 formation with Kolasinac, Koscienly, Sokratis and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as a back four.
Arsenal showed real determination while defending counter-attacks as well as build-ups against Chelsea, and they must be much more organised against a well-attacking side like Manchester United.
#1 Attack often through the left flank
As Aaron Ramsey started last weekend against Chelsea, it might either be Mesut Ozil or Alex Iwobi taking on the playmaking duties. If it will be Ozil, Emery will probably stick to a 4-4-2 diamond, but with Iwobi, he would switch back to a 4-2-3-1, as Iwobi's chemistry with Kolasinac has often paid off on the pitch.
Ashley Young is likely to play on the right flank for Manchester United, and the Englishman loves to drive forward, leaving huge gaps behind him for the opposition to counter-attack. Though Victor Lindelof has been doing pretty well under Ole, it will be a tough task for him to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang silent, due to his extraordinary positioning and pace.
Kolasinac should be allowed to attack freely through the left, as his attacking abilities can come handy for the Gunners. It would be better if Emery stuck to his 4-4-2 diamond formation, as it offers incredible stability and balance in all positions on the field.
A win for Arsenal will ensure their qualification, and it will be a big boost for the London side, whereas Manchester United will experience their first defeat under their new gaffer. However, a win for United would cause serious trouble for Arsenal, regarding confidence and form.
