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Gunners, United set for FA Cup thriller

UPSET: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger PHOTO: Max Rossi/REUTERS
UPSET: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger PHOTO: Max Rossi/REUTERS

LONDON - Manchester United and Arsenal have served up some classic FA Cup encounters going back to their first 109 years ago and Monday's quarterfinal under the Old Trafford floodlights promises another special occasion.

Fans of both sides can pick out plenty of memorable moments between the two most successful clubs in the competition with 11 wins apiece.

Holders Arsenal beat United in the 1979 and 2005 finals but United have won their last two meetings in the competition since that defeat on penalties at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff 10 years ago.

There was also Arsenal's 2-0 fifth-round win in 2003 that became infamous after David Beckham was struck above his eye by a boot that had been kicked in anger in the dressing room by United manager Alex Ferguson.

Go further back in time and the history books tell of Arsenal's 5-0 fourth-round demolition of United in 1937, a record home win against the Red Devils that still stands.

Just four days after securing three much-needed league points with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over their local rivals, Aston Villa host West Bromwich Albion again tomorrow in the second all-Premier League quarterfinal.

Liverpool meet second-tier Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on Sunday on the back of a run of form that has seen Brendan Rodgers's side lose just once in their last 21 games in all competitions.

While Liverpool's main focus is on securing a Champions League place for next season, they will be confident of reaching the semifinals against a Rovers side anchored in mid-table in the Championship.

A lower league team is guaranteed a last-four place with third-tier Bradford City, who reached the League Cup final two years ago, hosting Championship side Reading tomorrow.

FA CUP quarterfinalsTOMORROWBradford City v Reading (2.45pm), Aston Villa v West Brom (7.30pm)SUNDAYLiverpool v Blackburn (6pm) MONDAYManchester United v Arsenal (9.45pm)

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