Shaun Bartlett expects Manchester United to beat Arsenal in FA Cup clash
Former Premier League forward Shaun Bartlett is anticipating a surprise result this weekend when Arsenal face-off with Manchester United in arguably the tie of the third round in the FA Cup.
The South African ex-footballer, who played for Charlton Athletic in the Premier League, expects Man United to progress to the next round despite their struggles this season.
‘This game is lined up for a surprise result, and I feel United will sneak a win this weekend,’ Bartlett told Showmax this week.
The game, slated for the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, will be shown live on Showmax Premier League at 5 pm.
Bartlett says Ruben Amorim’s men can take plenty of encouragement from their game against Liverpool when they head to the Emirates this weekend.
United claimed a precious point at Anfield last weekend when they shocked league leaders Liverpool in a 2-2 draw.
Not many expected United to get anything from the game, but the Red Devils showed what they are capable of under the Portuguese manager.
‘The performance should give them confidence knowing that they didn’t become a bad team overnight and can still compete and surprise a few people,’ said Bartlett.
While Bartlett admits Arsenal go into the tie as favourites, he is confident United can once again spring a surprise.
‘I believe Arsenal will always be favourites at home, but United have shown that they can compete with their showing against Man City and Liverpool recently. Both games United played have shown glimpses of improvement, both away from home (Etihad and Anfield). It almost seems like they play better when not under pressure from their home fans.’
He is also expecting plenty of goal-mouth action in the fixture.
‘Games between these two very seldom produce fewer than two goals per game, that is why I feel there will be goals in this game but not as feisty as past seasons.’
Bartlett has also praised new United manager Ruben Amorim but has urged fans to be patient with the Portuguese manager. ‘We know he’s a good manager, but it always takes time to adapt to a new league or players that you didn’t sign. Once he gets players in that can play to his system, the team will get better results.’
The third-round fixtures begin on Thursday as Everton host Peterborough and Fulham hosts Watford. Aston Villa will host West Ham United on Friday at 9pm. On Saturday, Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley at 1:15 pm; Chelsea welcome Morecambe to Stamford Bridge at 4 pm while Manchester City will face Salford City at 6:45 pm.
