Lauren predicts 'clean' Cup final

By Mandeep Sanghera

Lauren's career statistics

Lauren insists Arsenal's FA Cup final against Manchester United will not be marred by the controversy which has rocked past meetings between the sides.

The arch-rivals have a history of bust-ups and meet with both aiming to rescue their seasons by winning the famous trophy.

Gunners defender Lauren told BBC Sport: "I think it is going to be a clean game on Saturday. Nothing controversial.

"It will be tough, strong and committed but not like we have seen in the past."

United ended Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten league run with a fiery 2-0 win at Old Trafford in October when there was the infamous 'pizza-throwing' incident in the tunnel after the game.

There was also a clash in the tunnel between Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira and United counterpart Roy Keane in the reverse fixture at Highbury in February when United triumphed 4-2.

I think that the team has learned when you have to play hard and put your foot in Lauren

The Red Devils, who knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage last season, have been accused by the Arsenal camp of sometimes employing an over-physical approach to the fixture.

And Keane has already said he expects an "explosive" encounter while United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects a "feisty" final.

But although Lauren has promised Arsenal will not abandon their free-flowing football, he says they will be ready for any rough tactics United may use at the Millennium Stadium.

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"They know the way we play," he said. "We play good football but I think that the team has learned when you have to play hard and put your foot in.

"We are prepared. You saw that against Blackburn in the semi-final.

"They were kicking us all over the place and the team didn't get involved in that way. We have to be calm and play our normal style.

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"We always play the same way and we will do that on Saturday but, of course, we have got players in the team who are strong in the challenge and will put their foot in.

"Sometimes you need that as well as the players who create and make the difference up front."

Lauren believes the way United ended Arsenal's record 49-game unbeaten run will prove an added incentive for an Arsenal side missing star striker Thierry Henry.

"It was disappointing because after such an amazing record it was difficult to bounce back in a good way," said the 28-year-old.

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"When you get knocked it takes time to come back again.

"It was a hard time but now it is gone and now we have the chance to beat them and lift the FA Cup."

He added: "I'm convinced if we play 100% we are going to win.

"The key is to play our game, keep passing the ball, not to concede any goals and we know we have got players in the team who can make the difference."