One of the greatest FA Cup rivalries will be resumed as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates for a fourth-round clash. The Red Devils have blossomed since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and are now unbeaten in their last seven games. Getting maximum points under their ex-striker has boosted their confidence, and United are back to the eye-catching football they used to play.
Arsenal, on the other hand, had a sip of fresh air with their win against Chelsea last week after a solid team performance. Unai Emery didnt cheat on his principles and once again surprised with the formation. His 4-1-2-1-2 turned out to be successful in applying a pressing style of play.
Although it is unlikely that both managers will name full-strength teams, it will still be interesting to see how are they match up. The Londoners are back to their defensive concerns as after a solid backline performance against the Blues as Hector Bellerin picked up a long-term injury. This makes it even harder to predict whether Emery will stick to the same formation, or whether he will switch to a three-man defence again.
The Spaniards injury might be good news for their rivals. With Marcus Rashford being doubtful for Friday though, Solskjaer has a difficult decision to make. Both Lukaku and Sanchez are waiting for their chance under the new manager. This analysis will use statistics to assess how both teams can get the best out of the situation.
Pressing, positional play and possession
The Gunners managed to apply a pressing style of play against Chelsea, one of the reasons for their successful performance. Unlike the Blues, United are not known hoard possession, so using the same strategy might not work out for Arsenal.
The Londoners should concentrate on not letting Paul Pogba spread the ball out wide. No matter whether the hosts go with a three or four-man defence, they might have problems blocking the inside channels that Pogba sometimes uses to distribute the ball further.
If Emery goes out with a three-man backline this would definitely expose Arsenal in the wide areas as the Frenchman will use the space on the left for the build-up. Bearing in mind Bellerins absence, this sounds like trouble. Going out with four players at the back doesnt guarantee the teams security though. With the full-backs responsibilities to help further up the pitch, this would create spaces for Uniteds attacking line to exploit.
This would be extremely dangerous if Solskjaer decides to position Jesse Lingard as a type of false nine as he did against Tottenham. This would give United even more options up front. His natural positional sense would help them use the half-spaces and take advantage of any disorganisation caused in Arsenals defence.
He could also be of help as a distraction. T
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