The Goal Blog in the New York Times describes what is at stake Saturday when Manchester United vs. Arsenal kicks off at 11 am CST (Fox Soccer Channel).

The F.A. Cup, not the league, takes precedence in England this weekend. Nevertheless, this is the matchup between the two outstanding sides in the Premiership, and the outcome could define their seasons.

After two defeats, United needs to get its rhythm back, if not for the sake of the Cup, then certainly in time for its Champions League encounter with Marseille on Tuesday. For that reason, it might rest key older players.

Arsenal, however, will throw everything at Saturday.

‘‘We need it, I must say,’’ acknowledged manager Arsene Wenger. ‘‘We have been touched severely recently, and we are chasing a win of this type.’’

Even Wenger, a coaching psychologist par excellence, has a mighty task. He must convince his players that they are not tired, mentally and physically, after being so totally outplayed in Barcelona four days ago.
Arsenal risked two unfit players there, and the gamble might haunt Wenger. Robin van Persie played little part before being red-carded at the Camp Nou, and Cesc Fàbregas is out of the match after aggravating his hamstring injury.

The same article offers short previews of other important games across the world this weekend.

SATURDAY, March 12 – FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
FA Cup MANCHESTER UNITED-ARSENAL (live) 11 am.
Italy CESENA-JUVENTUS (live) 1:30 pm.

SATURDAY, March 12 – ESPN3.com
Germany BAYERN MUNICH-HAMBURG (live) 8:25 am.
Germany WERDER BREMEN-BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH (live) 11:25 am.
Spain REAL MADRID-HERCULES (live) 1 pm.
Spain ZARAGOZA-VALENCIA (live) 3 pm.
South American U-17 Championship ECUADOR-BOLIVIA (live) 3 pm.
South American U-17 Championship ARGENTINA-PERU (live) 5:10 pm.
Australia GRAND FINAL (live) 11:30 pm.

SUNDAY, March 13 – FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
Italy ROMA-LAZIO (live) 9 am.
FA Cup MANCHESTER CITY-READING (live) 11:30 am.
Italy PARMA-NAPOLI (live) 2:30 pm.

SUNDAY, March 13 – ESPN3.com
Italy AC MILAN-BARI (live) 6:25 am.
Italy ROMA-LAZIO (live) 8:55 am.
Italy CATANIA-SAMPDORIA (live) 8:55 am.
South American U-17 Championship BRAZIL-VENEZUELA (live) 9 am.
Spain ESPANYOL-DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA (live) 10:55 am.
South American U-17 Championship COLOMBIA-CHILE (live) 11:10 am.
Italy BRESCIA-INTER MILAN (live) 1:40 pm.
Italy CESENA-JUVENTUS (live) 1:40 pm.
Italy PARMA-NAPOLI (live) 2:40 pm.

MONDAY, March 14 – ESPN3.com
Portugal LEIRA-PORTO (live) 3:15 pm.