Arsenal vs Man Utd: 3 key battles that could decide FA Cup tie | OneFootball

While the FA Cup third round is all about giant-killings and lower league success stories, Sunday's all-star clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will undoubtedly attract the most eyes.

The historic rivals have duelled 16 times in England's oldest cup competition and duked it out in the Premier League in early December. Arsenal were the hosts on that occasion, too, beating Ruben Amorim's side 2-0 courtesy of several set-piece strikes.

A confidence-boosting draw at Anfield last time out suggests Man Utd may make life more challenging for Arsenal on Sunday, with both sides potentially making changes ahead of midweek Premier League action.

Here are three key battles that could prove decisive in north London.

Martin Odegaard vs Manuel Ugarte

Martin Odegaard hasn't been his usual self in recent weeks / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka once more on Sunday and the winger's absence will undoubtedly have an enormous impact on the Gunners. They have lacked energy and creativity in recent matches without their talismanic winger, with the creative burden falling solely on the shoulders of Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian playmaker has been off-colour in recent weeks, however, struggling to operate at his usual standards. Only Saka is averaging more chances created than Odegaard in the Premier League this term but the Arsenal skipper has carved out just one chance across his last three games.

It will be Manuel Ugarte's chief responsibility to stifle Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium and the Uruguayan is beginning to find his feet under old ally Amorim. No player made more tackles than the summer signing at Anfield last Sunday and his combative approach will be vital in denying Arsenal's most creative influence.

Riccardo Calafiori vs Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo has been the bright spark for Man Utd this season / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Amad Diallo has often been the game-changer for Man Utd this season. During a campaign of mediocrity, the Ivorian, who just signed a new long-term deal with the club, has often been the sole shining light for the Red Devils.

Amad once again proved to be the man for the big occasion last weekend, scoring the equaliser against Liverpool having broken the Reds' hearts last term in this competition with a dramatic late winner during a 4-3 duel. Arsenal will be wary of his propensity for match-winning moments.

Whether Amad starts in the right midfield or right centre-forward spot remains to be seen but Riccardo Calafiori is likely to be his opponent. The Italian is an energetic and feisty defender, who is unlikely to sit off Man Utd's No16. That will create an interesting battle and one that could prove decisive.

Calafiori, who was an unused substitute during Arsenal's midweek Carabao Cup defeat, currently leads the Gunners for successful tackles per 90 in the Premier League. He will have to time his interventions expertly against Man Utd's livewire.

Gabriel Jesus vs Harry Maguire

Gabriel Jesus has rediscovered his form / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Gabriel Jesus exemplified the influence of confidence for a centre-forward during the conclusion of 2024. Having found the net just once between February and November, the Brazilian proceeded to score six in four matches, most recently netting on New Year's Day against Brentford.

The former Manchester City forward has always been a streaky player and finds himself in a purple patch at present, something Mikel Arteta must take advantage of on Sunday. He will fancy his chances of adding to a solitary goal against the Red Devils in 14 past meetings.

Harry Maguire will likely be the centre-half who directly faces Jesus, with the Man Utd defender sitting in the middle of a back three. He showed immense leadership and tenacity at Anfield last weekend to frustrate the Premier League's most potent attack, even if he then fired a sitter over the bar in the dying embers.

Jesus' trickery and agility should, on paper at least, cause issues for Maguire, but the extra protection afforded to the England international as part of a back three could see him dominate another fiercely-competitive duel.