Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes home advantage could prove to be decisive when the Red Devils host Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
United booked their place in the next round of the competition after a hard-fought win over Preston North End on Monday night.
They will host holders Arsenal at Old Trafford on March 7, days after a tricky away game against Newcastle United and right before top-four battles against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the Premier League.
"The most important thing is that we have a draw at home," van Gaal told reporters at his post-match press conference on Monday.
"In FA Cup matches, I believe that is important, so I am pleased that we get to play against Arsenal at home.
"Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win because every team is giving everything.
"You have also seen it in this round how many better situated teams have lost. So what is very important is that we will play at home for the first time."
