Nobody likes it when there’s a break from the Premier League but, it could be worse. It could be an international break.
The FA Cup, though not what it once was, still provides ample enough excitement in the absence of the Premier League – even if we do have to sit through a weekend of Ian Darke and the always improving Michael Owen.
So, we’re here to try and provide a few reasons why you should be looking forward to this weekend as much as any other in the footballing calender.
1. Manchester United v Arsenal
No matter what competition this fixture is played in, it’s always 90 minutes of adrenaline-fuelled footballing mayhem. The fact that this one is being played out in the FA Cup might actually make it more interesting, with it realistically being the only silverware either team can win this year – and the fact that both teams have won it more than any other, with 11 trophies a piece.
Louis Van Gaal has set his sights firmly on the cup this year, and Arsene Wenger and his players are intent on keeping hold of it. Will we see United play something resembling football? Will Arsenal bottle it?
2. Danny Welbeck
Will Danny Welbeck take a seat on the bench for his new team against the side he left after being asked to sit on the bench too often? It’s not long until we find out.
3. Bradford
The Bantams have won the cup once in their history and will be hoping to get back to Wembley, where they’ve been frequently over recent years.
This time they’ll be hoping to get their hands on something and anyone who actually likes football will be getting behind them.
Despite being the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re the team Reading least wanted to face. In terms of David v Goliath contests there’s not the biggest gap, but with Bradford involved you’ll always favour the underdog.
4. The Yak being back
There’s a reason to back Reading for the neutrals watching this one too, with it being the first time we’ll have seen Aiyegbeni Yakubu on our screens in years.
He scored in the last round for the Royals against Derby and given even the slightest chance you’d bank on him taking it.
5. 1995
Blackburn went to Anfield on the final day of the 1994/95 season and lost, but they didn’t care. Man United drew so they’d won the league anyway, and this also meant the rest of Anfield were celebrating with them.
Nothing will be the same on Saturday. Well, a few things will be. Liverpool still haven’t won the league again and Blackburn haven’t had anything to cheer much about since then.
But both teams will definitely need a win on Saturday to leave with a smile on their face and, for us, this one probably only has one winner.
6. Rivalry
That’s about the only reason to get excited for this one. Aston Villa and West Brom have played once already this week, giving Tim Sherwood his first ever win as Villa manager.
It wasn’t a spectacular match but Tony Pulis, like all managers, doesn’t like losing.. We expect West Brom to be fired up for this one – not least because Sherwood recently described the Baggies as “a good little club” – and maybe some of that will translate to you watching at home.
If nothing else we’ll get to see two tracksuited managers who will celebrate every goal as if they’d shinned it in themselves.
7. Flag day
Coming to Monday's game vs Arsenal? Make sure you're flying the flag for #mufc: http://t.co/RfVT8OH2ZI pic.twitter.com/4z39AKiADj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2015
Okay so, this may not be a reason for you to get excited but it seems it’s definitely a reason for the Man United fans to do so. They’ve been encouraged to bring flags to the game against Arsenal to add “a touch of ‘old school’ colour”.
Flags haven’t been this exciting since Sheldon Cooper started presenting a YouTube show about them – and they were pretty bad then.
Source: SNAPPA
