arsenal

The Red Devils had not been beaten since the end of December until they went down to their city rivals last weekend. Before that defeat, they had won six and drawn one of their seven games since losing at West Ham and conceded only two goals, while scoring 17. However, in the game before the derby, United were reliant on a last-minute Carlos Tevez goal to claim a draw at Tottenham after beating the same side to qualify for tomorrow's cup tie.Arsenal have recovered from their Carling Cup mauling by Spurs to win four consecutive games. In that time, they have scored 11 times and conceded just once. They qualified for the fifth round by cruising to an impressive 3-0 victory over Newcastle and their form is all the more impressive considering they lost the likes of Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure to the African Nations Cup.

Sir Alex Ferguson's pedigree is second to none and the Scot has won five FA Cups since being appointed as Old Trafford boss in 1986. Although the league is sure to be his priority, Ferguson will be desperate to avenge the defeat to the Gunners in the 2005 final when United lost on penalties despite dominating the game. Ferguson is fiercely competitive and has a fractious relationship with opposite number Arsene Wenger, with both managers masters of mind games.

Wenger has a tradition of fielding his reserves in cup games although the team was strengthened for the victory over Newcastle which came soon after a Carling Cup thrashing by Spurs. The Frenchman has a proven pedigree in unearthing and nurturing young talent. He has been vindicated in his lack of concern following Thierry Henry's departure, with Emmanuel Adebayor blossoming this season to sit joint top of the league's scoring charts. The managers' volatile relationship hit a low following 'Pizzagate' in 2004, with Wenger fined for accusing Ruud van Nistelrooy of cheating after which the pair agreed to tone down their rivalry.