What would winning the FA Cup mean for the three favourites?

Arsenal winning the trophy in May 2014

FA Cup holders Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United had all passed their respective fifth round tests to progress into the sixth round of the oldest cup competition in football. Liverpool will play Blackburn Rovers whilst there will be a clash of the titans at Old Trafford where Manchester United will host Arsenal - the two most successful teams in FA Cup history with both clubs winning the competition a record eleven times. The possibility of lifting the old trophy in May beckons for all three of these clubs.

The current holders Arsenal had disposed of Championship outfit Middlesbrough quite comfortably with a flowing, typical Arsenal-type move which led to Olivier Giroud tapping in Kieran Gibbs' cross for the first goal. The gunners' forward then doubled his tally with a sumptuous finish from an Alexis Sanchez corner. Arsene Wenger's men then held on to a relaxed 2-0 victory against Aitor Karanka's men. The North London outfit are the favourites to win the competition and rightly so as the holders and on paper with the strongest squad, retaining this trophy would not only result in a record 12th FA Cup for the club but it would resemble successful consistency for this current crop of gunners. If Arsenal hang on to this trophy, it would be a huge statement of intent from Arsene Wenger and his men; the days of jeering for not winning a trophy for nine years would be long forgotten and it would galvanize these players, it would instill the belief that not only are they capable of winning a trophy but they are able to hang on to it and achieve success on a consistent basis. Last season, Arsene Wenger stated "Once Aaron Ramsey starts scoring, he won't stop" and he was spot on. The same analogy could be applied to Arsenal here in the sense that once the gunners win a trophy, they will not stop winning and the FA Cup this season is their best chance to prove that.

Eleven time winners Manchester United edged past Preston North End at Deepdale despite what the 3-1 scoreline suggested, the home side did well to contain the Premier League outfit in the first half with Man United being complacent and lethargic in their play. Preston took a deserved lead early in the second half from a deflected effort by Scott Laird from just inside the area, Louis van Gaal's men responded however with two goals in quick succession; Ander Herrera's scuffed effort led to the equalizer and Marouane Fellaini gave the red devils the lead, tapping in his rebounded effort. Wayne Rooney then earned (perhaps illegally) a penalty for his side late on which he then slotted in to the top left corner confirming Manchester United a 3-1 victory against the League One outfit. If the England captain were to lift the FA Cup in May, it would mark the beginning of what United fans hope to be, a successful reign for Louis van Gaal. This trophy along with a top four finish would eradicate the memories of a painful first season post Fergie, it would mark significant progress after a trophyless (Community Shield does not count) 7th placed finish last season, and it would represent a strong start to his managerial career in English football for United's Dutch gaffer. It would also form the platform for this current United crop that they go on to achieve many things and compete for big honours alongside their noisy neighbours and Chelsea. If Louis van Gaal were to win the FA Cup in his first season in English football, it would certainly point Manchester United in the right direction.

Six time winners Liverpool snatched a 2-1 victory against a revitalized Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, this match being one of only three premier league clashes in the FA Cup fifth round. Fraizer Campbell gave the eagles an early lead with Palace entering half time with a 1-0 lead. It was then Liverpool's English forward, Daniel Sturridge who converted a Jordan Henderson chipped cross four minutes in to the second half to equalize. Adam Lallana then sunk Palace hearts after slotting in Mario Balotelli's rebounded free-kick effort giving Liverpool victory in South London. If Brendan Rodgers were to add the FA Cup to his CV, it would not only be his first major honour as a manager but it would give departing captain, Steven Gerrard the perfect send off. It would also mark a significant moment in the careers of the young Liverpool players, it would give them a taste of success which would make them yearn for more. It also seems time is running out for Brendan Rodgers to win a trophy for Liverpool, three years in to the job, it would be perfect time to lift the trophy in May for him as it would be first of, what Liverpool fans hope, many. The FA Cup this season could be a catalyst for the young Liverpool manager and his young players; similarly to Man United, it would form a launchpad from which Liverpool could compete for more in the near future alongside the sides currently above them in the Premier League. Winning the FA Cup should be the biggest priority for all of those connected with Liverpool.

These three are the standout favourites to win the FA Cup this season and they really must go for it; it's a chance for Arsenal to maintain success, Manchester United need a piece of silverware to mark the beginning of a new era and Liverpool need a trophy in order to provide them with a platform for the future. Liverpool should progress in to the semi-finals with their tie against Blackburn, but it is the tie between Manchester United and Arsenal which will determine just how hungry these respective clubs are for the FA Cup. But we have all experienced the magic of the cup - Bradford City being the clear example this season, we know that not all goes to plan in this wonderful competition and that anyone is capable of anything.