FA Cup

Manchester City cruised through to the next stage of the FA Cup with a 5-0 win against Burnley on Saturday.

Millwall caused one of the major shocks of the fourth round, eliminating Everton 3-2 at The Den. The Lions scored deep into stoppage time to claim glory.

AFC Wimbledon also defeated top flight opponents as they beat West Ham United 4-2.

Newcastle United crashed out of the cup at the expense of Watford. The Hornets stung the hosts to earn a 2-0 victory on the road.

Brighton & Hove Albion were held to a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion, while Wolverhampton Wanderers grabbed a late equaliser to save themselves in a 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury Town.

Saturday's FA Cup Results

Accrington Stanley 0-1 Derby County

Brighton 0-0 West Brom

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Oldham Athletic 

Manchester City 5-0 Burnley 

Middlesbrough 1-1 Newport County

Newcastle  0-2 Watford 

Portsmouth 1-1 Queens Park Rangers 

Shrewsbury 2-2 Wolves 

Swansea City 4-1 Gillingham 

Millwall 3-2 Everton 

Wimbledon 4-2 West Ham

Remaining FA Cup Fourth-Round Fixtures

Sunday, January 27

4 p.m. GMT/11 a.m ET: Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur 

6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m ET: Chelsea vs. Sheffield Wednesday 

Monday, January 28

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Barnet vs. Brentford

Saturday Recap

It was a simple day for City's rotated starting XI at the Etihad Stadium, with manager Pep Guardiola clearly happy with his side's comprehensive performance.

Gabriel Jesus opened the floodgates for the hosts midway through the first half. The Brazil international netted with style after linking with countryman Danilo.

The Clarets dug in to hold City to a one-goal lead at halftime, but Guardiola's men were ruthless after the interval.

Kevin De Bruyne set up Bernardo Silva seven minutes after the restart for the second, and the Belgian superstar grabbed a goal for himself to put the tie to bed shortly after the hour mark.

An own goal by Kevin Long rubbed salt in the wound for Burnley after 73 minutes, and City cantered past the winning post to prolong their cup endeavours.

Substitute Sergio Aguero made it 5-0 from the penalty spot with five minutes to play after Long fouled David Silva.

Everton are out of the competition after Millwall outmuscled them in south London.

The Toffees took the lead two minutes before half-time through Richarlison, but Millwall quickly grabbed an equaliser seconds later through Lee Gregory's header.

Cenk Tosun reclaimed the lead for Everton with 18 minutes remaining. However, the hosts battled hard and again scored a quick equaliser. Jake Cooper exposed the Premier League team's frailties from the set piece, with the 23-year-old netting from close range.

There were claims of handball from the visitors, but there was no video assistant referee for the tie, so the goal stood.

It was left to Murray Wallace to send the home fans wild in the fourth minute of injury time, slotting home as Everton once again failed to defend a set-piece routine.

There was unbridled joy for Wimbledon fans as their club swept past West Ham with a fantastic display.

The Dons took a 3-0 lead after a goal from Kwesi Appiah and a brace from Scott Wagstaff, but West Ham finally awoke from their slumber in the second half.

The Hammers were back in the game after substitutes Lucas Perez and Felipe Anderson found the net, but Toby Sibbick completed the 4-2 win with a finish two minutes before the final whistle. 

It was yet another frustrating day in the north-east for Newcastle. The Magpies failed to score as Watford secured a 2-0 win.

Andre Gray opened the scoring on the hour, allowing Isaac Success' last-minute strike to settle the game in the final minute.

Wolves were nearly the subject of a giant-killing act at Shrewsbury, but the Premier League side saved themselves in a 2-2 draw.

The EFL League One side claimed a two-goal lead after second-half strikes from Greg Docherty and Luke Waterfall, but Wolves kept plugging away.

Raul Jimenez's effort gave the visitors hope with 15 minutes remaining, and Matt Doherty's headed equaliser broke home fans' hearts in the third minute of injury time, earning a replay.

Chelsea's case to win the 2019 FA Cup has been boosted by Gonzalo Higuain's arrival. The Juventus loanee could make his debut in Sunday's fourth-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.

Championship outfit Wednesday will likely struggle to contain a Blues side entering the match buoyed by recently reaching the Carabao Cup final. Chelsea saw off London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 on penalties on Thursday to book a Wembley Stadium date against Manchester City for February 24.

It means the Blues have given themselves the chance to repeat the League Cup and FA Cup double they achieved on Jose Mourinho's watch in 2007. First, Chelsea have to get by Wednesday, with oddsmakers expecting the holders to win.

Date: Sunday, January 27

Time: 6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m. ET

TV Info: BBC One

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, ESPN+

Odds

• Chelsea: 1-4
• Wednesday: 12-1
• Draw: 13-2

Odds, per Oddschecker.

A second cup match in four days gives Maurizio Sarri the chance to rotate his squad. It means fringe players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi could feature.

The gifted winger continues to be linked with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, with BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan one of those reporting of the German side's interest. Chelsea want to keep the 18-year-old, though, with playing time likely to be key to his decision.

Hudson-Odoi thrived in the last round, assisting both goals in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His pace, trickery and eye for a pass will torment the Wednesday defence.

Keeping the supply lines open for Higuain will be key. The 31-year-old has scored consistently during his career for Juve, Real Madrid and Napoli.

Higuain thrived for the latter on Sarri's watch, so he's a good bet to produce early for Chelsea.

Sarri's assistant, Gianfranco Zola, left Wednesday guessing about whether Chelsea's newest frontman will feature:

The visitors will struggle to contain Higuain if he is involved, but former Chelsea man Sam Hutchinson can play a vital role. He's a utility player best-suited in defensive areas, where his aggression and awareness help to break up play.

Further forward, the Owls will miss Gary Hooper's goals, with the ex-Celtic striker still recovering from groin surgery.

Chelsea are firm favourites with the oddsmakers for obvious reasons. The holders will make their extra ingenuity in midfield and greater firepower up top count.

Manchester United booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Friday with a 3-1 over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard put the Red Devils in charge. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back to give the Gunners hope, but Anthony Martial's late strike sealed the win.

Championship side Bristol City will join Manchester United in the next round after coming from behind to see off Bolton Wanderers at Ashton Gate.

Friday's Results

Bristol City 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, January 26

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Accrington Stanley vs. Derby County 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Bromwich Albion 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Doncaster Rovers vs. Oldham Athletic 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Manchester City vs. Burnley 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Middlesbrough vs. Newport County

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Newcastle United vs. Watford 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Portsmouth vs. Queens Park Rangers 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Shrewsbury Town vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers 

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Swansea City vs. Gillingham 

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Millwall vs. Everton 

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: AFC Wimbledon vs. West Ham United 

Sunday, January 27

4 p.m. GMT/11 a.m ET: Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur 

6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m ET: Chelsea vs. Sheffield Wednesday 

Monday, January 28

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Barnet vs. Brentford

Friday Recap

Arsenal started well against Manchester United but suffered an early blow when defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos was forced off with injury and replaced by Shkodran Mustafi after 21 minutes.

The change seemed to help Manchester United, and they stunned Arsenal with two goals in two minutes just after the half-hour mark.

The Red Devils went ahead when Romelu Lukaku slipped in Sanchez to round Petr Cech and net from a tight angle:

Lukaku then grabbed his second assist of the night when he teed up Lingard to slide a low shot home from inside the box:

Yet Aubameyang got Arsenal back into it just before half-time. Aaron Ramsey was the creator, running into the box and crossing for the striker to tap home unmarked at the far post:

Arsenal almost equalised straight after the break, as Ramsey forced goalkeeper Sergio Romero to tip his header over the bar from a cross by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The Gunners then suffered another injury blow as Lukaku accidentally caught Laurent Koscielny in the face with his boot. The defender had to be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi with Mesut Ozil also coming in for Alex Iwobi.

Arsenal pressed for an equaliser but were caught on the counter again in the closing stages. Paul Pogba drove forward from midfield and fired in a low shot which Cech could only parry, allowing substitute Martial to slide into an empty net.

The win means caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now won all eight games in charge of the club since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm:

Friday's only other FA Cup fixture saw Bolton get off to the perfect start at Bristol City. Mark Beevers put the visitors ahead with just six minutes on the clock.

A deep cross found the defender striding into the box, and he clipped it past goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

The hosts responded quickly and were level two minutes later through Callum O'Dowda. The winger collected a long ball forward on his chest, took a touch and then powered a low shot home.

Bristol City's winner came in the form of a fine individual goal from Niclas Eliasson. The midfielder cut in from the right and curled a brilliant shot into the top corner with his left foot.

Alexis Sanchez scored against his old club as Manchester United won their eighth match in a row in all competitions under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to knock Arsenal out of the 2019 FA Cup on Friday.

United sent the Gunners packing from the fourth round after leaving the Emirates Stadium with a 3-1 win, thanks to goals from Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang got on the scoresheet for the disappointing Gunners, who lost starting centre-backs Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis Papastathopoulos to injury during the game.

Alexis Sanchez Belongs in United's Best XI

Alexis Sanchez has been close to anonymous since swapping Arsenal for United and a bumper contract last January. He couldn't convince Jose Mourinho of his worth, and it says a lot about how far the Chilean has fallen that Solskjaer has started Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ahead of him for league games.

Solskjaer may want to think again, though, after Sanchez used cup duty to prove he belongs in United's best XI. The South American forward took the opening goal brilliantly, rounding Petr Cech with typical skill before deftly finishing from a rapidly narrowing angle.

More than the finish, the goal highlighted the most important quality Sanchez brings to the United attack. Namely, perceptive movement.

Sanchez ghosted from out to in to receive a pass from Romelu Lukaku, the man whose place he'd taken in the middle of the forward line.

This type of run and rotation of positions makes United more fluid and less predictable in attack. Sanchez has mastered the art of such runs, thanks to excellent timing and a natural instinct for where gaps will appear.

Aside from his movement, the 30-year-old has the pace, flair and trickery to produce magic at any moment. His attempts to conjure said magic left Arsenal chasing shadows during the first half:

He was substituted with less than 20 minutes left, but Sanchez had done enough to show Solskjaer he must start United's highest-earner more often.

Alexandre Lacazette Too Inconsistent to Fire Arsenal into Top 4

While Aubameyang scored, Alexandre Lacazette toiled without end product against United. The Frenchman showed he's too inconsistent to fire Arsenal to a top-four finish and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Emery has put his faith in Lacazette to lead the line for big matches recently. It's even meant shifting Aubameyang, who has 17 goals in all competitions to his credit, out wide.

Lacazette simply isn't justifying moving Arsenal's best goalscorer out of the areas where he does the most damage. Instead, his touch, passing range and movement were all below par against the Red Devils.

Lacazette struggled to connect with team-mates or to hold the ball up whenever the Gunners connected with their main striker.

His shaky performance was a far cry from the scintillating effort the former Lyon star produced during the recent 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League. Lacazette scored the opener in spectacular fashion and led the line brilliantly.

Yet for every wonder strike, Lacazette has an equal number of days where he looks incapable of finding the net.

The truth is the 27-year-old is a scorer of great goals rather than a great goalscorer. Nor is he a complete striker who will make the ball stick and link the play the way Arsenal head coach Unai Emery needs him to.

Emery should stick to using Lacazette and his ability to improvise his way to sudden brilliance, as an impact substitute. In the meantime, Aubameyang must be allowed to be the focal point up top.

The latter is the only striker prolific enough to help mask the Gunners' defensive frailties.

What's Next?

Both clubs are in Premier League action on Tuesday night, with Arsenal hosting Cardiff City and United welcoming Burnley to Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Alexis Sanchez will be involved against former club Arsenal on Friday.

The Red Devils and the Gunners will meet at the Emirates Stadium in the most high-profile fixture in the fourth round of the FA Cup. It will also be the first time Sanchez has returned to his former home since making the move to Old Trafford in January 2018.

Since joining United, the Chile international has struggled with form and fitness. Sanchez has most recently been suffering from a hamstring issue, but Solskjaer confirmed to MUTV that he will feature against Arsenal and backed Sanchez to thrive in a potentially hostile environment (h/t The Independent).

"He'll be involved," said the United boss. "I think he'll love it if the crowd turn against him. As a player, pride kicks in and you think 'I'll show all of you.' He's been fantastic in training, his attitude has been spot on so hopefully he'll enjoy the game."

Sanchez joined the Gunners in the summer of 2014 and was a huge success during his time working under Arsene Wenger.

The former Barcelona and Udinese man won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and often set the tone for the team in attack. Whether operating through the middle or from a wide position, he was exceptional, regularly chipping in with goals and assists:

Sanchez allowed his contract at Arsenal to run down, though, and he joined United in a swap deal in January last year. The Gunners received Henrikh Mkhitaryan in return:

Since making the move, it's been a grind for Sanchez. He failed to fit into the blueprint laid out by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho, and the benefit of a pre-season with his new team-mates appeared of little help this season, with his goal return paltry: 

Solskjaer will hope featuring in a big game will stoke Sanchez's United career into life, as it's the sort of occasion the forward would have relished during his time at Arsenal. 

Still, there's little guarantee of him starting the clash. The Red Devils have been in excellent form since Solskjaer took over in mid-December, winning seven matches in succession, and attackers Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have excelled.

Sanchez will be desperate to perform when he does get on the field, and if he can start to play himself back into form in 2019, he will be a huge asset for the Red Devils for the remainder of the campaign.

Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Friday in what is the biggest tie in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Gunners come into the game after a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Chelsea but face a visiting side that have won seven games in a row under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Date: Friday, January 25

Time: 7:55 p.m. GMT/2:55 p.m. ET

TV Info: BBC One (UK)

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, ESPN+

Odds: Arsenal: 7-5, Draw: 5-2, Manchester United: 7-4

Odds according to Oddschecker.

Match Preview

Arsenal suffered more injury woe ahead of the game, with full-back Hector Bellerin ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The 23-year-old joins Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding on the sidelines, although Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to return to training ahead of the game against his former club, per the club's official website.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the most likely replacement for Bellerin, but Stephan Lichtsteiner is also an option.

Manager Unai Emery is aware of the threat facing his team from a resurgent Manchester United:

The Gunners cruised past League One Blackpool 3-0 in the third round at Bloomfield Road, and Emery is relishing being at home on Friday night, per James Olley at the Evening Standard.

"We are looking forward to playing this match on Friday because it's at our stadium, the Emirates, in front of our supporters," he said. "We feel very well in front of them, and we want to create a new atmosphere over 90 minutes on Friday, together with our supporters."

Friday's clash could see former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez return to the Emirates as a player for the first time. The Chile international has not featured for the Red Devils since the third round win over Reading but is set to start, per James Robson at the Evening Standard.

Sanchez has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford because of an injury and the form of Marcus Rashford. The England international has five goals and an assist in his past seven games and is thriving under Solskjaer.

The Norwegian has the Red Devils enjoying their football again and has already carved his name into the history books:

Manchester United's winning streak will ensure the Red Devils head to the Emirates full of confidence, and on current form, they will take some stopping.

Arsenal's clash against Manchester United is the standout fixture in the fourth round of the FA Cup as the resurgent Red Devils head to the Emirates Stadium on Friday.

Premier League champions Manchester City take on Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Newcastle United host Watford.

Sunday also sees some tasty fixtures. Holders Chelsea host Sheffield Wednesday, while injury-hit Tottenham Hotspur face a tricky trip to Crystal Palace. Non-league Barnet play host to Championship side Brentford on Monday evening.

Friday, January 25

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Bristol City vs. Bolton Wanderers (0-2)

7:55 p.m. GMT/2:55 p.m. ET: Arsenal vs. Manchester United (2-2)

Saturday, January 26

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Accrington Stanley vs. Derby County (0-2)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Bromwich Albion (1-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Doncaster Rovers vs. Oldham Athletic (2-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Manchester City vs. Burnley (3-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Middlesbrough vs. Newport County (2-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Newcastle United vs. Watford (1-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Portsmouth vs. Queens Park Rangers (0-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Shrewsbury Town vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Swansea City vs. Gillingham (1-0)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Millwall vs. Everton (1-2)

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: AFC Wimbledon vs. West Ham United (0-2)

Sunday, January 27

4 p.m. GMT/11 a.m ET: Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur (3-2)

6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m ET: Chelsea vs. Sheffield Wednesday (1-0)

Monday, January 28

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Barnet vs. Brentford (0-1)

Matches broadcast on BT Sport in the UK can be streamed via the BT Sport app. Games shown on BBC are available on the BBC iPlayer. In the United States, FA Cup games are available via ESPN+.

Selected Match Odds

Arsenal (8-5), Draw (13-5), Manchester United (16-9)

Manchester City (1-9), Draw (21-2), Burnley (40-1)

Newcastle United (36-17), Draw (5-2), Watford (7-5)

Millwall (4-1), Draw (3-1), Everton (3-4)

Crystal Palace (19-10), Draw (12-5), Tottenham Hotspur (13-8)

Chelsea (1-4), Draw (6-1), Sheffield Wednesday (12-1)

Courtesy of Oddschecker

Arsenal vs. Manchester United 

Two of the most successful teams in FA Cup history clash at the Emirates on Friday.

Arsenal have won the competition 13 times, and Manchester United are just one behind on 12 wins.

The Gunners will be hoping to become the first team to inflict a defeat on the Red Devils since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge.

The former Norway international has won all seven games since replacing Jose Mourinho in the Old Trafford hotseat, and United will arrive at the Emirates full of confidence.

Solskjaer is getting the best out of key men Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, and he has his team playing with an attacking verve that has been lacking over recent seasons:

However, Arsenal put in one of their best performances of the season last time out, when they beat Chelsea 2-0 in a dominant win at the Emirates.

The victory was marred by serious injury to Hector Bellerin, though. The club have since confirmed he will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, joining Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck as long-term injury victims.

There looks to be little to choose between the two teams who are locked on 44 points in the Premier League, although United are the team in form and may take some stopping.

Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham make the short trip to Selhurst Park without several key players.

Captain Harry Kane remains sidelined with an ankle injury, Heung-Min Son is at the Asian Games with South Korea, and Dele Alli has been sidelined with a hamstring problem:

Alli's injury comes at a bad time for Spurs who are in the middle of a hectic schedule. Sunday's match comes in the midst of a run of five games in 14 days.

However, Spurs have been boosted by the return of three players to training ahead of the match:

The injuries will stretch Tottenham's resources to the full, and Crystal Palace will fancy taking advantage of their London rivals.

The Eagles are enduring a tough season in the Premier League and are only three points off the relegation zone after 23 games.

However, Roy Hodgson's men have caused problems for some of the top teams this season. They have drawn with Manchester United and Arsenal, beaten Manchester City 3-2 and gave Liverpool a scare in a 4-3 defeat at Anfield on Saturday.

Crystal Palace will feel this is a good time to play Spurs, and with home advantage they will hope to spring a surprise and knock Pochettino's men out of the FA Cup.

Arsenal have announced they have issued Manchester United a reduced ticket allocation for their FA Cup clash because of safety advice.

The Red Devils are set to travel to London for the fourth-round tie on January 25, but United fans were angered to receive only 8.7 per cent of the ground allocation at the Emirates Stadium. Away fans are entitled to 15 per cent, according to Football Association rules, but the Gunners have said safety concerns have forced them to restrict away fans.

A club spokesman told Press Association Sport that Arsenal believe they have no other option  (h/t the Mirror's Darren Wells and Mark Mann-Bryans):

"We recognise that having more away fans at matches is one of the many reasons why the Emirates FA Cup is so special.

"For the match against Manchester United, the safety assessments we have undertaken, which included liaison with our stadium licensing authority, have made it clear it would not be safe to accommodate visiting fans in the upper tier.

"We take safety of home and away fans at Emirates Stadium very seriously and cannot ignore the results of the robust safety assessments which have been conducted."

The Manchester United Supporters Trust hit out at the north London giants for not consulting supporters about safety fears before making a decision.

According to Wells and Mann-Bryans, the fan group released a statement that read:

"We are hugely disappointed by the decision to uphold Arsenal's self-interested and hypocritical near-halving of the 15 per cent ticket allocation that should be provided under FA Cup rules.

"The FA must themselves be concerned by this blatant disrespect for their own rule.

"The vibrant atmosphere created by a larger away supporter presence is part of the 'magic of the FA Cup' that is already suffering as a result of other decisions including televising and rescheduling matches - although ironically 11,000 United supporters were willing to meet the resulting travel challenge and now more than half will be denied the opportunity."

United have arguably the biggest away following in England, with fans clamouring for tickets in all competitions when the team is on the road.

Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News highlighted that Arsenal gave Lincoln City an allocation of 9,000 for their trip to the Emirates in 2017 and also offered Coventry City the same number. However, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Everton have all received vastly reduced ticket allocations by the Gunners, suggesting only supporters of major clubs are being penalised.

Arsenal have come in for criticism after offering a reduced allocation of tickets to Manchester United supporters for the FA Cup fourth round tie set for Friday, January 25.

A report from Reuters (h/t Sky Sports) noted how United were entitled to as many as 9,000 tickets. However, Arsenal have dished out only 5,000 amid concerns about supporter safety at the Emirates Stadium.

The report also cited a statement from Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) lamenting the decision and its implications for fans:

"For Arsenal to offer little over half the proper allocation is a joke. The game is just 10 days away and at present United are unable to sell tickets to their fans. Supporters need to make arrangements for a fixture which has already been shifted to an inconvenient Friday night kick-off time."

Ironically, United's complaints have been met with approval by Arsenal fans.

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust called for their club to adhere to the FA Cup policy of allotting more tickets than away fans usually receive for league games: "Set at 15 per cent in rules. Creates great atmosphere and creates differentiation to PL (Premier League). So frustrating to see this under threat at Emirates for MUFC Cup tie."

Those concerns will become more prevalent for Gunners fans if a replay is needed. Replays have been scrapped this season, but only from the fifth round onwards.

Even so, a spokeswoman for Arsenal said the north London club had reached the figure to be allocated after discussions with police and safety advisory people within the local authority.

Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News provided more detail on Arsenal's controversial decision:

Duncker's fellow Evening News writer Samuel Luckhurst had anticipated a development of this nature not long after the two great rivals were drawn together:

Concerns about what effect reducing the number of United supporters may have on the atmosphere at the game are valid, at least up to a point. A larger travelling contingent would increase the volume and intensity at the Emirates, particularly as United fans are likely to be buoyant with the club on a run of six wins in all competitions since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho as manager.

Diluting the atmosphere by culling the number of supporters allowed to attend is risky, particularly in a competition that's shrunk in importance as it is. Both the Premier League and the lucrative UEFA Champions League occupy the attentions of clubs, and some fans, more than the oldest cup competition in the game.

Supporters may already be in two minds about whether to travel to a match set to begin at 7:55 p.m. GMT/2:55 p.m. ET on Friday. Particularly since the game will also be televised.

Yet despite all these concerns, those in attendance will surely contribute to a decent atmosphere for the next chapter in a storied rivalry. Arsenal and United defined an era in the Premier League when they vied for the title in the late-90s and early- to mid-2000s.

Managers Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson stoked the rivalry, while clashes between stalwart players such as midfield generals Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane quickly became the stuff of legend.

The two clubs also share an eventful history in the FA Cup. Arsenal have emerged victorious in two finals, including the famous "five-minute final" in 1979 when Alan Sunderland's winner gave the Gunners a 3-2 win after United had drawn level from 2-0 down.

It was the Gunners who won again when the two sides contested the Cup in 2005. They triumphed 5-4 on penalties despite being thoroughly dominated for 120 minutes by a stronger, quicker United.

The last cup tie between the two saw Arsenal win 2-1 at Old Trafford in the 2015 quarter-final. Former Red Devils striker Danny Welbeck netted the winner as the Gunners went on to retain the trophy.

History favours Arsenal heading into the next meeting:

However, United are in stronger form, with Solskjaer having revived several key players, including playmaker Paul Pogba. He can also call on former Arsenal attacking talisman Alexis Sanchez, who moved to Manchester last January, to torment his former club.

The Gunners are currently only above United on goal difference in the league. Yet cup competitions represent a chance for Unai Emery, who succeeded record-FA Cup winner Wenger as manager in the summer, to ensure a fruitful first season in England.

Emery will need the Arsenal faithful to make their numbers advantage count and generate an atmosphere strong enough to inspire his struggling team to a vital win.

Arsenal will host Manchester United in the standout fixture of the FA Cup fourth round following Monday's draw. 

The match at the Emirates Stadium will see the two most successful sides in the competition go head-to-head, as Gunners boss Unai Emery and United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seek to secure silverware in their debut campaigns as manager.

Elsewhere there's a London derby between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur to look forward to at Selhurst Park. Holders Chelsea will meet either Luton Town or Sheffield Wednesday, while Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.

Here is the draw in full for Round 4 of the competition:

Swansea City vs. Gillingham

AFC Wimbledon vs. West Ham United

Shrewsbury Town vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Millwall vs. Everton

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Bromwich Albion

Bristol City vs. Bolton Wanderers

Accrington Stanley vs. Derby County or Southampton

Doncaster Rovers vs. Oldham Athletic

Chelsea vs. Sheffield Wednesday or Luton Town

Newcastle United or Blackburn Rovers vs. Watford

Middlesbrough vs. Newport County

Manchester City vs. Burnley

Barnet vs. Brentford

Portsmouth vs. Queens Park Rangers

Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Matches will be played between Friday, January 25 and Monday, January 28.

Arsenal and United to Renew FA Cup Rivalry

After safely making it into the fourth round of the competition with wins over lower league opponents at home, Arsenal and United will face a much tougher assignment in their next FA Cup fixture.

It's a match that will stir memories of thrilling clashes gone by between these two sides, most notably the famous win for United in the 1999 semi-final and Ryan Giggs' iconic goal that seized victory for the Red Devils at Villa Park.

Overall, there aren't any sides capable of matching the pedigree of these two when it comes to the FA Cup:

Aside from that incredible game almost 20 years ago, the Gunners tend to get the better of the Red Devils in this competition too: 

These two sides aren't to the standard they were in 1999, and with neither side currently in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this term, this cup competition is likely to take on extra significance.

The same is true for Tottenham. While they remain in the hunt for four prizes at the start of 2019, they have yet to win silverware under manager Mauricio Pochettino; a trophy of any sort would be the cap on the excellent progress they have made in recent years.

A trip to Palace is far from ideal for them though. Spurs won this fixture 1-0 earlier in the season in the Premier League, but Roy Hodgson's team have found some form as of late and with a midtable finish likely, they will surely throw everything at this competition.

HLTCO thinks there are good omens for the Eagles:

Elsewhere, Chelsea will be confident of progressing with another draw at home against a lower league outfit. City will also be the big favourites when they meet Burnley, who are struggling in the Premier League this term.

Barnet, the only non-league team left in the competition, will host Brentford. After upsetting Leicester City on Sunday, Newport County's reward is a trip to Middlesbrough.