Arsenal v Man Utd: Projected lineups

Arsenal were handed a ticket back to London within the first 20 minutes of their match against Liverpool at Anfield. It was a decimation unlike many have seen their side suffer in recent years as the Reds thrashed the Gunners defensive and midfield ranks with their pace and tenacity, nipping at their heals every time they came close to trying to make something happen.

The Gunners had not lost since their were defeated by Manchester City at the Etihad in mid-December when they were outscored 6-3, but Liverpool took their lead with a type of efficiency that had not been seen as capable against Arsene Wenger's side this campaign.

Prior to the match was the buildup of defensive partners Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker having never lost a match that they had completed together, but that was thrown out the window allowing four goals in 18 minutes and 25 seconds.

Manchester United likewise were completely throw off by their opponent this weekend as Fulham came to Manchester hoping to avoid an embarrassing defeat but bucked their trend of dropping points and nearly claimed three for themselves.

The Cottagers defended as if their lives defended on it and in one of their rare trips forward scored the opening goal of the match through a beautiful assist thanks to Tottenham loaner, Lewis Holtby finding Steve Sidwell in the middle of the United 18-yard box after splitting the defense like it wasn't there.

Cross after cross flew into and across the Fulham back line for the next hour before Robin Van Persie finally knocked in a ball that was bouncing around the penalty area and then Michael Carrick scored only moments later to see the home side make a drastic turn around.

However, it was not to be as a late counter attack from Fulham deep into stoppage time saw Darren Bent find the back of the net leaving the home side stunned and the crowd utterly frustrated as their side dropped points yet again.

With both sides looking for redemption on Wednesday they are both likely to field the close to the same sides that were defeated and drawn against for the weekend and there are all the makings of a potentially classic match if United show up to the Emirates looking to complete their double over the Gunners for the year and save some face.

Arsenal XI: Szczesny: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.

United XI: De Gea: Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Januzaj; Persie.