Motorcraft Fuel Filter ??

I took out the old fuel filter on my 1991 LX 5.0 Convertible. The old filter had lines on the right side and smooth on the left. I could NOT see any arrow.

If I put the new filter on the same way the arrow will be facing the drivers side exhaust pipe!! Is that correct? I thought the arrow should be facing to the passenger side exhaust pipe!!

Also, is there any reason I can not use small metal clamps instead of those plastic ones that came with the new filter?

Thanks

Larry