Arsenal ready for the fight

Take on Manchester United in the last 16 of the FA Cup

LONDON: Arsenal’s success in opening up a five-point lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premier League has upped the stakes for Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round showdown between the clubs.

Any chance of either side resting key players ahead of next week’s Champions League appointments has been removed by the additional psychological importance now attached to the outstanding tie of the last 16 — a stage of the competition that only six top flight clubs have managed to reach.

Still smarting from Sunday’s Old Trafford derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City, which allowed Arsenal to pull away from them in the league, United badly need to make immediate amends.

Victory at Old Trafford on Saturday would put Arsene Wenger’s young squad on track to complete the third domestic double of the Frenchman’s reign in north London.

Holders Chelsea have been favoured by a draw which has pitted them against the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Huddersfield Town. But Avram Grant and his men will be wary of opponents from the middle of League

One who have already dumped Premier League side Birmingham out of this year’s competition.

The Stamford Bridge clash is a repeat of a 2006 third round tie which Chelsea only just edged 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Eidur Gudjohnsen.