Arsenal have drawn Sheffield United in the FA Cup Quarterfinal at Bramall Lane. At this point of the competition, there aren’t many “easy draws,” and the Blades are about average for what the Gunners could have had. It would have been nice to play at the Emirates, but that’s the way the ball bounces.
The Blades bested Unai Emery’s Gunners in late October at Bramall lane and drew Mikel Arteta’s side in mid-January. Both matches were relatively even, and I expect the quarterfinal to be no different.
The FA Cup is Arsenal’s last remaining shot at silverware this season. Winning a trophy would go a long way towards easing the sting of what has been a disappointing season for the club and would be an impressive feat for a squad that is on its third manager of the season. Additionally, the FA Cup winner automatically qualifies for next season’s Europa League, although I’d hope Arsenal manage that through table finish.
The other ties are:
Newcastle - Manchester City
Tottenham/Norwich - Derby/Manchester United
Leicester - Chelsea
All matches will be played between Friday, March 20th and Monday, March 23rd.