Gunners to edge pick of FA Cup ties
One of Friday’s two FA Cup matches is arguably the best of the fourth round ties, as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates.
This competition provides both clubs with a genuine shot at silverware and it is sure to be an entertaining encounter in North London.
Lacazette lifting Arsenal
After their 22-game unbeaten run ended last month, the Gunners have been a bit less predictable but produced arguably their best performance of the season in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.
Central to that showing was the display of Alexandre Lacazette, who opened the scoring and the Frenchman is 6.50 to break the deadlock.
Solskjaer’s run to come to an end?
Arsenal are the slight favourites at 2.50, with United 2.65 and after winning his opening seven matches in charge, a defeat might take some of the pressure off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian won this competition twice as a player and a trophy would further boost his hopes of getting the Old Trafford job permanently.
However, he may opt to rest Marcus Rashford, and the Englishman’s tally of five goals in Solskjaer’s seven games, means he would be a significant absentee.
Goals a given at the Emirates
With both of these sides playing in the Premier League on Tuesday, neither wants the draw at 3.45, as a replay would put further pressure on an already congested fixture list.
That could be a bonus for the neutrals and after drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford in December, another case of over 3.5 goals is 2.60.
The statistics back that possibility up with Arsenal having scored at least twice in seven of their last eight FA Cup ties, while United have seen the same in six of their previous seven.
Arsenal have won this competition in three of the last five seasons and with home advantage on their side, a Gunners win and both to score is tempting at 3.85.
