Team News
Arsenal’s injury woes persist, with Mikel Arteta set to manage without four right-sided players once more. Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle), Ben White (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) remain unavailable for the Gunners this weekend. Leandro Trossard was deployed on the right flank during Arsenal’s EFL Cup loss to Newcastle, though his early substitution raises the prospect of Gabriel Jesus stepping into that role. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling has recovered from illness, but his readiness for a starting spot is doubtful. Another potential change could see Riccardo Calafiori replace Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left, while on-loan goalkeeper Neto—excluded from the EFL Cup due to ineligibility—might finally make his debut.
Manchester United, fresh from their draw at Liverpool, have no new injury concerns. However, Marcus Rashford’s status remains uncertain; he was removed from the Liverpool squad due to illness, but ongoing transfer speculation continues to cast a shadow over his involvement. Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof (unspecified), and Luke Shaw (calf) are confirmed absentees. Manager Ruben Amorim, known for frequent tactical tweaks, is likely to retain the same outfield setup that performed admirably at Anfield. However, he has confirmed that Altay Bayindir will replace Andre Onana in goal, despite the Turkish stopper’s underwhelming display against Tottenham in the EFL Cup.
Form Guide
Arsenal and Manchester United, the two most decorated clubs in FA Cup history, face off in a high-stakes third-round clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners come into this match on the back of their first home defeat of the season, a 3-0 loss to Newcastle in the EFL Cup, following a frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw at Brighton. Wasteful finishing was Arsenal’s undoing against the Magpies, and they will hope to avoid back-to-back home defeats for the first time since last January, when Liverpool ousted them from the FA Cup at the same stage.
United, meanwhile, begin their FA Cup title defence after a confidence-boosting 2-2 draw at Liverpool. The performance showcased resilience, but their inability to capitalise on Harry Maguire’s late chance left them without a win in five matches across all competitions. Defensively, the Red Devils have struggled, conceding at least two goals in each of their last nine games, a trend Amorim must urgently address.
Predicted Outcome
We predict Manchester United will get a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, with the penalties to decide the winner. While Newcastle’s defensive discipline played a role in Arsenal’s EFL Cup defeat, the Gunners were their own worst enemies with poor finishing. Facing a Manchester United side still grappling with consistency, Arsenal may find it equally challenging to break through. However, one strong showing at Anfield doesn’t signal a full revival for United, and Arteta’s side should have enough quality on home soil to edge this contest. Even if the match stretches to penalties, Arsenal’s superior form at the Emirates should end United’s FA Cup campaign at the first hurdle.
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