Manchester United v Arsenal Preview

Can Alexis Sanchez lead Arsenal to Old Trafford victory?

Arsenal go to Old Trafford for their FA Cup clash with Manchester United having beaten the Red Devils just once in 15 matches.

Arsene Wenger admitted in the build-up to this game that he is still haunted by his team's FA Cup semi final defeat to United at Villa Park 16 years ago.

On that occasion, ten-man United survived a last-gasp penalty from Dennis Bergkamp before the infamous winning goal from Ryan Giggs in extra-time.

The Arsenal boss admitted he "can still hear the shouts of that (United) team" from 1999 even now.

With just one victory since 2009 against United there is plenty of cause for trepidation, but Wenger might be about to banish the FA Cup memories at Old Trafford.

Both sides are in relatively decent form coming into this clash.

United have tasted defeat just twice in 22 domestic games. Louis van Gaal's men have been often criticised during that run for their performance levels but nonetheless they are a hard nut to crack.

Old Trafford has been a particularly happy hunting ground for United, where only Southampton's 1-0 victory in January has lowered the colours of the home team since the opening day of the season.

Arsenal's Champions League implosion against Monaco was entirely unexpected. Defeat to Wenger's former club aside though, the Gunners have won ten of their previous 11 games - coincidently their sole defeat also coming at the hands of the Saints.

Wenger will have been pleased that his side bounced back from that European disaster by winning back-to-back Premier League games against Everton and QPR.

Olivier Giroud experienced something of a personal horror show in the defeat to Monaco, the Frenchman missing several glaring opportunities to halt the progress of his compatriots.

Giroud is the only out-and-out striker at the Emirates to feature regularly on the scoresheet this season - his goal at Loftus Road last Wednesday taking his personal tally to 13 despite a season interrupted by injury.

Alexis Sanchez also returned to scoring form against QPR and the Chilean is capable of hurting United at Old Trafford.

Of course, victories over struggling Everton and QPR are not enough to justify belief Arsenal can retain their grip on the FA Cup by knocking Manchester United out.

Wenger will instead hope to draw on previous experience this season.

At the Emirates in November, Arsenal carved United apart apparently at will in the league meeting between these sides.

It was like a tidal wave of attacking intent but somehow the Gunners failed to make their superiority count where it mattered most - on the scoreboard.

They were of course left to rue such profligacy when Kieran Gibbs turned into his own net just before the hour mark.

Arsenal again laid siege to the opposition goal but were left frustrated long before Wayne Rooney's breakaway goal sealed victory for United.

Giroud thumped in a stoppage-time consolation but the overriding feeling was that Arsenal had been masters of their own downfall.

Perhaps more telling was the 2-0 victory the Gunners achieved in Manchester in January at the Etihad Stadium.

On that occasion, Wenger's side displayed traits hitherto not seen from an Arsenal side under the longest serving manager in the Premier League for quite some time.

Arsenal set-up to frustrate City, from front to back they were the epitome of hard work and endeavour in ensuring City could not get a vital breakthrough.

Wenger may not enjoy the comparison, but the plan was Mourinho-esque in its execution.

A similar level of application should be enough to get Arsenal into the FA Cup semi finals.

Since losing to Southampton in January, van Gaal's team have played ten times against mid-level opposition, recoding seven wins and three draws.

Arsenal is a step-up. Despite home advantage, United are likely to treat Arsenal with maximum respect and that ought to play into the Gunners hands.

If Arsenal can display the same application they demonstrated at the Etihad in January their superior cutting edge should ensure they return to London with the FA Cup still in their grasp.