Arsenal vs Reading or Chelsea vs Manchester United: Which game should you watch?
The games kick-off 10 minutes apart
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Your support makes all the difference.The people who have the job of sorting out the admittedly complicated football fixture lists have made a bit of a mistake.
Somehow, they've managed to schedule Chelsea vs Manchester United - one of the stand-out Premier League fixtures of the season - at the same time as Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley with Reading.
Speaking ahead of the games on Saturday, Arsene Wenger said: “Something should be done about it. I'm surprised that they did not analyse that in television deals. What has happens is something that should have been planned, that two television channels who pay a lot of money for football, have conflicted interests in promoting games. That inside the country shouldn't happen.”
Arsenal's match with Reading kicks off at 5.20pm and will be shown on the BBC, whilst the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge gets under way at 5.30pm and will be shown on Sky Sports.
So there's a decision to be made on which game to watch. Here, we try to help...
ENTERTAINMENT
Arsenal vs Reading: This is something of a mismatch. The Gunners are flying high at the top end of the top division, whilst Reading are 19th in the Championship. It should be a walkover for the Gunners, but that could mean a few goals at Wembley, especially considering these teams were involved in a 5-7 ding-dong in 2012 and the Gunners have put 16 past them in the last three meetings. If things don't go well for the Gunners, it'll be essential viewing.
3/5
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Two of the best teams in the land coming together should spell a fantastic game. But so often the most anticipated matches fall flat, particularly when Jose Mourinho is involved. The 'Special One' might rather a decidedly not special game that yields some points for his team rather than any entertainment.
3/5
SIGNIFICANCE
Arsenal vs Reading: There's a place in the FA Cup final at stake when the Gunners play the Royals. It doesn't get much bigger than that.
4/5
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Some still think that Arsenal are in the hunt for the title, and if they are to have any chance Chelsea probably need to lose against Manchester United. But even if Mourinho's side did drop three points, they'd still be comfortably out in front. From Manchester United's perspective, they're keen to finish as high up the table as they can, particularly above Manchester City. But fourth place looks to be secure, meaning both sides could get away with defeat.
2/5
COMMENTARY TEAM
Arsenal vs Reading: Steve Wilson and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy have been lined up to take on the Arsenal match. At least that means those watching the BBC have been saved from having to listen to Phil Neville drone on, but then he might be in the studio shooting the breeze with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker.
2/5
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Martin Tyler and Gary Neville form a slick partnership at Sky Sports and then there's Thierry Henry (probably keeping one eye on Arsenal) in the studio along with Jamie Redknapp. A stellar line-up.
4/5
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTROVERSY
Arsenal vs Reading: There really isn't much beef between Arsenal and Reading, not even a wafer-thin slice. Perhaps that the Berkshire side have only beaten Arsenal once in their history might have them a bit peeved, but it's difficult to imagine Mesut Ozil going toe-to-toe with Garath McCleary or any other such internet breaking moment. Although Wenger doing something crazy should never be discounted.
2/5
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Mourinho might be the 'Happy One' nowadays, but not when things aren't going well. So the Chelsea boss is just one of many potential fireworks ready to be lit. Others include just about every Manchester United player, with few of them shy of getting involved in a bit of trouble. The absence of Diego Costa lowers the likelihood of some on-field shenanigans, but there is still much potential.
3/5
VERDICT
Arsenal vs Reading: Arsenal are always an entertaining side and with the possibility of a giant killing, the FA Cup semi-final has many merits when picking between them. But the dry commentary supplied by the BBC and lack of potential for controversy let the match down in the battle for viewers.
Total score: 11/20
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Both teams can afford to lose, but it's still Chelsea playing Manchester United, plus the slick production of Sky (albeit with a distracted Henry) and a very real chance it could all kick off sees the Premier League contest win the battle.
Total score: 12/20
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