Preview: Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Monday night's FA Cup quarter-final meeting between Manchester United and Arsenal is arguably one of their biggest games of the season so far, as both clubs are desperate to please their fans with silverware.

While Arsenal are not yet out of the Champions League, a 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the first leg of their last-16 tie indicates that the FA Cup may be the only competition that they can win this season.

It's the same scenario for United under manager Louis van Gaal as the club have been absent from European competition and they are currently fighting for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

With Premier League big-hitters Chelsea and Manchester City out of the tournament, both United and holders Arsenal are expected to go all out to add to their joint-record 11 FA Cup trophies.

United head into the fixture at Old Trafford having secured a dramatic late 1-0 win over Newcastle United in midweek and despite losing just two games out of their last 22, the Red Devils have been heavily criticised for their style of play.

Van Gaal's side have been accused of a laboured approach at times, and that could cause trouble for them against an Arsenal side who have been in positive form of late.

Arsene Wenger's men have lost just three of their last 15 league fixtures, and they have been strong in front of goal having scored 19 times in their last eight matches in the top flight. United have found the back of the net 13 times in as many games.

Arsenal have tasted victory over United in this competition before having beaten them in the 2005 FA Cup final in a penalty shootout, but in their last 12 meetings, the Gunners have grabbed just one win over their top-flight rivals.

Robin van Persie will be unable to face his former club as he continues to nurse an injury, but Michael Carrick is expected to be named among the United squad after making a late appearance in midweek's victory over Newcastle.

He hasn't been as prolific as expected, but Radamel Falcao may return to the starting lineup alongside Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria, while Ander Herrera and Daley Blind are likely to fill the midfield.

Danny Welbeck could make his first appearance at Old Trafford since leaving United for Arsenal last year, but the striker is likely to be on the bench for the encounter on Monday evening.

A fresh injury concern for the North London outfit comes in the form of January arrival Gabriel Paulista, who has been ruled out for two to three weeks with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.

Jack Wilshere will also be absent from the trip, while Francis Coquelin is expected to anchor the midfield, with Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey also playing a part.

Olivier Giroud could lead the line, with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez providing attacking support, while Wojciech Szczesny is expected to start in goal.

Manchester United:

Form in FA Cup: WDWW Form in all competitions: DWWLWW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Smalling, Evans, Rojo; Valencia, Herrera, Blind, Young; Rooney, Di Maria; Falcao

Arsenal:

Form in FA Cup: WWW Form in all competitions: WWWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Bellerin; Cazorla, Coquelin, Ramsey; Ozil, Giroud, Sanchez

Sports Mole says: 2-1