What a game we’ve got coming up!

In addition to our extensive pre-match coverage of the game, we’ve gotten our writers together for a short prediction on how they think the game will pan out.

And if you think we’re just going to throw these predictions out there and then forget about them, fear not.

We’ll be back to take a look at how we did and laughing at the person who got it wrong more than anyone else.

Lee Hurley Win 2-1

We can’t lose them all, right?

I’m sick of being the better side and losing. I’m sick of playing United and doing stupid things.

Frankly, I’m sick of quite a bit when it comes to this lot.

No logic, no rationale, just win.

Helen Trantum Win 2-0

Last time Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford for an FA Cup tie, our opposition fielded a goalkeeper, seven defenders, a holding midfielder and two strikers. And we lost.

This time we face a very different United side, with their best players now retired, sold or injury prone. Meanwhile we are buoyed by the additions of Ozil and Alexis and a rejuvenated Santi Cazorla.
The way United are playing (rubbish!) this game will be won or lost by us. I expect us to have a number of very presentable chances and if we can be relatively clinical then we have our best chance yet to put the United hoodoo to bed.
The Mancunians have lost their slight aura of invincibility and are there for the taking. This Arsenal team have shown an ability and a willingness to take the next step in games such as City this year, and I’m backing us to get another monkey off our back.
2-0 to the Arsenal, with Giroud to be involved in both goals.

Stephen Bradley Draw 2-2

Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s apprehension, maybe it’s the stakes, but I just can’t help fearing the worst here.

Apart from the Monaco game, we’ve been in decent form, managing to get wins out of middling performances.

But despite the wins, we’ve always given up at least one gilt-edged chance per game and even though Manchester United haven’t been setting the world alight themselves, they’ve managed to take advantage of any slip that comes their way. (Thanks Tim Krul. Sigh.)

However, they’ve been giving up chances too. Despite De Gea’s fine form, nobody has had to deal with more scoring opportunities than him.

I’m expecting a badly defended, end-to-end cup tie. 2-2.

Paul Williams Lose 1-2

I’m holding on to one single, solitary, crumb of comfort- the last time we went to Old Trafford as FA Cup holders, we won.

Never mind that it was in 2002, or the Old Trafford cup defeats which have followed, it’s all we’ve got.

The post draw bravado has faded and, despite my belief that this is the best Arsenal side we’ve had for years, all I’m left with is the fear.

Not surprising, given our awful record at Old Trafford.

The best we can hope for is a draw, I don’t think we’ll get it. 2-1 United.

PS if you want to take further comfort in anything, take it in the fact that my two negative predictions here were before Arsenal wins.

Sylvain Jamet N/A

Sylvain is on international duty, following the ladies.

Lewis Ambrose Draw 1-1

United aren’t very good. We are pretty good. Unfortunately that hasn’t meant anything the last three times we’ve met them.

Last time up there we got food poisoning. When we played here we’d had that game at Anfield and this year they somehow led 2-0 after one shot on target.

We are better than them and it’s about time we showed it, and we will…

But not until the replay.

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal.

Nia Griffiths Win 1-01

To tell you the truth, I’m actually flipping terrified about this match.

I’m desperately trying to cling on to positivity, hence the prediction, but I have a feeling I’m going to be hiding behind my hands for most of the match.

This is the type of game where we need someone in the changing room to really take control and rev up the team. Remind them how long it’s been since we won against United, let alone at Old Trafford.

Hammer home how the FA Cup is our trophy and we need to retain it. Beat the nerves out of them.

If we walk onto that pitch thinking the outcome could be anything but an Arsenal win, we’ll have already lost.

We have the quality on the pitch to beat this United team. We just need the attitude to match.

Sean Ferguson Draw 0-0

I don’t really want to predict this game at all.

United have been very poor and have been grinding out results in recent months. Our terrible record against them plays heavily on my mind when trying to be positive we’ll get a result.

I’m guessing there won’t be many changes, maybe, if they’re match fit, Woj in for Ospina and Monreal for Gibbs with Welbeck or the Ox coming in for Rosicky.

My heart is telling me 2-0 Arsenal, my head is telling me 2-0 Man United.

I’m going to just cancel each of those out and say 0-0 and we’ll win the replay…

Mark Fine Win 1-0

United are not very good as a whole and have relied a lot on luck to be successful of late. but the match is at Old Trampled, which still holds a lot it’s old mystique.

For all the hoopla of how poor United are, their home PL record of 11-1-2 and giving up an average of only 0.7 goals per match there shows it. Most of that has been due to de Gea’s heroics and not van Gaal’s 3-or-4-at-the-back experiments, nor the undisciplined calamity that is the rest of the side.

In short, United are a team without an identity – primarily because they are a team of individuals. They are no longer the bully on the block.

I firmly believe Arsenal are a side that can beat anyone, anywhere, but lack the consistent confidence against the better sides to actually do it. The win at Etihad was huge, but I’m sure it’s a distant memory given the losses at White Hart Lane and against Monaco.

I’d rather predict what I want to happen because I have no idea which side is going to show up.

If they play defensively as they did at the Etihad they can win this 0-1. They will have to make the most of the offensive chances they can take advantage of in order to score, because I don’t think there will be many.

Anita Sambol Lose 1-2

Much like Sean’s heart, mine too is telling me we will win this, but my mind and realistic part of me thinks that the usual will happen.

United are looking better and better every match, attacking most of the time (against weaker teams, yes, but still) and actually winning.

They tend to concede from counters so that might be our chance. I have no idea what line up will van Gaal will come up with this time, but we know for sure Rooney will be starting, and that’s enough (although I dare to say he won’t score on Monday).

We will probably do the usual for away games this season, defend and counter. If we have a good day, we can beat them, just like we did City.

If we have an average day, I’m afraid it won’t be enough.

Here goes my first negative prediction on DailyCannon, 2-1 for the home team.