FA Cup: Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal [16.2.2008] - TalkSoccer

**kyan** · 15-02-2008, 12:09 PM

Arsenal are probably going to field a slightly weakened team, but we really need to pick up our form, lost our last one and drew the previous. They planned to play Walcott I think but he's a bit injured which is annoying

. Sagna is out, but Eboue is back, Senderos is a doubt but Toure is back.

We'll have Rooney and Evra back, which in itself is a huge boost.

I'm really looking forward to the game cos I'm going but I'm still really nervous given our last 2 results, especially with this being knockout and our next match being v Lyon.

We can't afford any injuries, and a replay would not suit us either, so I'm thinking 2-1 United.

**russe||** · 15-02-2008, 03:52 PM

Wenger is going on about how he only has 14 fit players but I don't trust him.

Every time we play Arsenal they have certain players who Wenger said were serious doubts, or who simply wouldn't play who on the day stage a miraculous recovery; basically I expect Clichy, Adebayor and Flamini all to start.

Quote:

WENGER DOWN TO THE `BARE BONES`

Arsene Wenger is down to the 'bare bones' as his squad prepare for the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.

Wenger is taking all his fit players to Manchester and will have to wait until the morning before deciding who is fit enough to face the champions.

Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Senderos are struggling with knocks but will travel.

"We have a few players on the edge," said the Gunners boss.

"We are down to the bare bones. We have just 14 players and everyone will travel then I will make a decision.

"Clichy, Senderos, Adebayor, Flamini - all are muscular injuries. I will have to take a look and see who is in the most dangerous position."

Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue have returned from African Nations Cup duty and Wenger has confirmed that Jens Lehmann will play in net.

"He is the keeper in the FA Cup, that has been decided."

Opposing manager Alex Ferguson on the other hand believes he has the strongest squad he has had available for some time. However, the Scotsman will be making changes with one eye on the midweek Champions League tie with Lyon.

"I don't think either side will play the team that everyone expects. We'll make a couple of changes. My view is that with massive games like Arsenal and then Lyon on Wednesday, you have to give a lot of consideration to how you balance your teams. Hopefully I get it right."

Louis Saha will be available for the match after recovering from a knee injury picked up a month ago in training.

"Louis has trained all week and should be involved," said Ferguson.

"We have a strong squad for Saturday, probably the strongest for a while."

Football365.com - WENGER DOWN TO THE 'BARE BONES' - All The News - Football365 News

G-R87 · 15-02-2008, 04:03 PM

I think Wenger saying he has a limited squad suggests he is already preparing for defeat. By saying 'we only have 14 fit players' he is preparing a 'win/win' situation; If they beat Man U he can say 'We won with only 14 fit players' and if they lose to Man U he can say ' well, we only had 14 fit players'!

IMO Man U are strong favourites I I cannot see it any other way. I'm going to say Man U will win 2-1.

I hope it is a good game! I think what it will boil down to is the threat of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez (if all fit) will be too hot to handle...However, Adebayor might be a thorn in the side of the Man U defence and I can see him scoring.

**dukeofdavinci** · 16-02-2008, 03:22 PM

im in view wth russ, he is just playing words.he has a formidable squad and we need to be on guard and start to wing the winds in if are to catch them starting from this game.

**dukeofdavinci** · 16-02-2008, 04:38 PM

the line ups are...no ronaldo and giggs....im speechless...

**Olzy** · 16-02-2008, 06:06 PM

So impressed with Anderson.

Fletcher always plays amazing against Arsenal.

Rooney upfront = quality. Such a big difference for United.

**Olzy** · 16-02-2008, 06:34 PM

Eboue high foot was bang out of order. Such a dirty player.

Wenger will say 'I didnt see it' at the end no doubt.

The high pressing game is making Arsenal look awful.

Hleb and Cesc getting bullied.

**Olzy** · 16-02-2008, 06:49 PM

The reception for Anderson was electric. Such a brilliant young player.

So much enegry, skill, pace, likes to get stuck in. Will get goals aswell eventually.

**Olzy** · 16-02-2008, 06:53 PM

ha ha Nani showboating big style.

Arsenal the worse losers in the game?

**russe||** · 16-02-2008, 07:21 PM

Great game for a Man Utd fan; exactly the sort of performance we needed.

Arsenal went to pieces and (yet again) showed what a vile bunch of twats they are when they're loosing/being outplayed. For all the moaning they do about rough treatment from other clubs they seem only too keen to start kicking people when they're loosing.

We played really well today, Anderson IS brilliant, Nani played very well. Rooney did well up front on his own today and it was good to see Saha back too. Carrick and Anderson worked well together and Super Fletch did his best to stake his claim. The defence had sod all to do so can't really comment on their performance.

**Jager** · 16-02-2008, 08:42 PM

**dukeofdavinci** · 16-02-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Fletcher always plays amazing against Arsenal.

yep, absolutely cant figure out why...i mean he must have endured a bad childhood wth some where aresenal along the line for him to show such hatred and passion

.but he was great today.

frankly both teams took a big gamble since both have bigger matches mid-week, and frankly i was quite afraid for our part wth fergie taking such huge gamble, but our make shift side was more then impressive.anderson almost again opening his account but if he continues like this it will be soon then rather

we are high up in confidence now just the thing we need.now come on and lets build this huge momentum we created and push for the final!!

**Olzy** · 17-02-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olzy

Eboue high foot was bang out of order. Such a dirty player.

Wenger will say 'I didnt see it' at the end no doubt.
.

Pretty sure I predicted right. He said something along those lines

What a nob

**Sven** · 17-02-2008, 03:19 AM

Arsenal probs having the last laugh when they win the league, with 3 (potiental) games less to play.

Anderson impressed me, Nani was a dick for showboating, was annoyed Adebayor didn't start.

**russe||** · 17-02-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

Highlights

Only just noticed - after watching the highlights - how good Carrick's pass for Nani's goal was. Him and Anderson (plus Fletch) worked really well together.