One thing that the Arsenal fans will not have to worry about at Old Trafford in the FA cup is being spat at by the Manchester United defender Jonny Evans. Because despite denying the FA charge, Evans has been banned for six games and the first of those will be the quarter-final against Arsenal. He would also miss the replay if we draw tomorrow and have to play again at the Emirates.
While you may not think that makes a great deal of difference to the Gunners´chances of success, the fact that he started the last two games under Louis van Gaal with Man United having all their defenders fit, tells you that Evans is currently first choice under the Dutchman. And United have been shaky at the back all season so anything that weakens them further has to be good news for us. Smalling and Jones do not exactly strike fear into the heart of many strikers after all.
It is not just in the FA cup where this ban could work in our favour though, as the Northern Ireland international is also set to miss some big Premier League games, including Tottenham, Villa and Man City at Old Trafford and Liverpool and Chelsea away.
With Man United looking like one of the clubs most likely to challenge Arsenal for a top four finish, every little helps. Now let´s make it count in the FA cup as well.