Arsenal vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

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The Football Faithful

·12 Januari 2025

Arsenal vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Two of the’Big Six’ meet in the third round of the FA Cup as Arsenal host Manchester United.

The pair are the two most successful clubs in the competition’s history. Arsenal have won the FA Cup a record 14 times, while United have lifted the trophy on 13 occasions – including last season.

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The Gunners lost in a different cup competition during the week as Newcastle won 2-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

⚪️ 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️ 🆚 Manchester United 🕒 3pm (UK) 🏆 FA Cup 🏟 Emirates Stadium
– Minggu, 12 Januari 2025

Brazilian goalkeeper Neto could be set to start his first game for the club after moving in the summer on loan from Bournemouth. The stopper’s involvement has been limited due to being cup-tied in the Carabao Cup after appearing for his parent club.

Raheem Sterling is back after illness but Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Ethan Nwaneri remain long-term absentees.

Manchester United begin their trophy defence with a tough trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Ruben Amorim has already stated that Turkish international Altay Bayindir will start between the sticks. Marcus Rashford has recovered from a recent illness but Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof remain out. The United manager is confident that Amad Diallo will be involved despite nursing a knock over the last few days.

Arsenal vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Form

Arsenal: WWWDL

It was an underwhelming display from Arsenal in midweek as they lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Alexander Isak’s clinical finish flew past David Raya for the opener before Anthony Gordon’s effort put Newcastle in control of the semi-final tie.

The Gunners have a challenging task ahead of them in the second leg in February. That loss to Newcastle ended a 13-game unbeaten streak in all competitions that dated back to the start of November.

Prior to their cup defeat, the North London club were held away from home by Brighton. Ethan Nwaneri gave the Gunners the lead before Joao Pedro equalised from the spot.

Manchester United: LLLLD

A spirited performance from the Red Devils earned them a point away to fierce rivals Liverpool last weekend.

Lisandro Martinez gave United a shock lead with a thumping finish past Alisson. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo turned the deficit around for Liverpool before Amad Diallo scored on another big occasion to see the contest end level.

The draw against the league leaders was certainly positive but Ruben Amorim’s side haven’t triumphed in five matches.

They were comfortably beaten by Newcastle United, Wolves and Bournemouth over the festive period. Manchester United remain in 13th position in the league only seven points clear of safety.

Last Meeting: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United, Premier League, 4th December 2024

Arsenal’s efficiency from set-pieces was enough to overcome Manchester United in the Premier League last month.

Thomas Partey should have put the hosts in front in the first half as Declan Rice’s corner accurately found him. But the Ghanaian’s header came off his shoulder from two yards out and did not trouble Andre Onana.

Despite the early warning, United continued to struggle to defend Arsenal’s dead-ball situations. Leandro Trossard missed the target inside the box before United’s Diogo Dalot came close to scoring as his rasping effort flashed wide of David Raya’s net.

Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock after the interval as they made one of their dangerous corners count. Rice’s near post delivery was glanced in by Jurrien Timber, who recorded his first goal for the club.

Minutes later, the Gunners came inches away from replicating their opening goal. Joshua Zirkzee’s flick nearly went into his own net but Manuel Ugarte was alert to clear the danger.

Arsenal goalkeeper Raya had to be at full stretch to deny Matthijs de Ligt an equaliser before Mikel Areta’s side doubled their advantage.

Partey directed Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging corner into the middle where it flicked off William Saliba to consolidate Arsenal’s lead and earn the points.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Neto; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Rice; Jesus, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz.

Manchester United: Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Hojlund.

Who is the referee?

Andy Madley will be the match official. He will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor while Michael Salisbury will be the fourth official. VAR will not be in operation.