In a rare twist of fate, two Premier League titans clash in the third round of the FA Cup. What heightens the drama is the pedigree of these contenders – the competition’s two most decorated champions meet so soon.
Arsenal, boasting 13 FA Cup triumphs, welcomes Manchester United, with 12 titles to their name, to the Emirates Stadium.
A loss at this early stage could deepen the looming shadows of a trophyless season for either side.
Manchester United, already out of the Carabao Cup and far removed from Premier League contention, face a daunting reality.
Arsenal, trailing by two goals in their Carabao Cup double-header against Newcastle and sitting a distant chase from the Premier League summit, find themselves equally pressured.
This encounter, then, becomes a stern test of resolve and strategy for both managers.
Arsenal, the serial FA Cup winners, have slipped somewhat from their dominant perch, with their most recent triumph coming four years ago in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. However, they remain perennial favourites, always a contender in the competition.
What elevates the drama of this clash even further is the fact that they face Manchester United, the defending champions.
United, against all odds, clinched the FA Cup last season with a remarkable victory over Manchester City, a win that sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly after falling to the same opponents in the final the previous year.
This rich history and the stakes of the present make this encounter a truly monumental one.
FA Cup Head-to-Head History
In their FA Cup head-to-head history, Arsenal and Manchester United have clashed 16 times, with United leading the matchup with 8 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses.
Notably, their most recent FA Cup encounter was the 2005 historic final, where Arsenal emerged victorious via a penalty shootout – the first time in the competition’s history that a final was decided in such a manner.
Historically, the winner of this fixture has often gone on to lift the trophy, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their rivalry. However, meeting so early in this year’s competition diminishes the weight of that trend, as the implications of this clash could significantly differ in the broader narrative of the tournament.
Nevertheless, the stakes remain high, with both teams seeking to assert dominance and keep their FA Cup dreams alive.
On paper and considering current form, Arsenal undoubtedly enter this contest as the favourites. In their last five games, the Gunners have secured three wins, suffered one loss, and managed a draw.
In stark contrast, Manchester United has endured a torrid run, losing four and drawing one of their last five outings.
Arsenal’s recent struggles can largely be attributed to the absence of their ever-reliable winger, Bukayo Saka. While others have attempted to fill the void, the team has shown a noticeable decline in creativity, particularly in their attacking play – a shortcoming laid bare in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
For Manchester United, however, there was a glimmer of hope in their last match against Liverpool ending in a 2-2 draw, despite their ongoing poor form. The Red Devils displayed significant improvement, showcasing greater discipline and aggression in the midfield to win second balls, a key factor in stabilizing their performance.
Reflecting on the draw, Bruno Fernandes voiced his frustration, stating, “Why can’t we do this every week?” If his words resonate within the squad and they replicate the same intensity seen at Anfield, United might just rise to the occasion and pose a serious challenge to Arsenal.
This sets the stage for what could be a thrilling showdown, as both teams aim to reclaim momentum and deliver for their fans in this high-stakes FA Cup clash.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 3 Positions Manchester United Needs to Strengthen in the January Transfer Window
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal’s fitness concerns are easing ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United. Despite recent illness, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard started in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle, while Gabriel Martinelli returned from injury.
Arsenal will miss Ben White (knee), Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee). Although, Mikel Arteta has a near-full squad, with Declan Rice and Ødegaard likely starting in midfield, alongside either Jorginho, Thomas Partey, or Mikel Merino.
In attack, Havertz is expected to remain the No. 9, with Gabriel Jesus possibly featuring on the right wing. Arteta may stick with David Raya in goal and bring back Riccardo Calafiori in defence after resting him midweek.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester United Team News
Head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayindir will start in goal for Manchester United in their FA Cup clash against Arsenal, with Marcus Rashford available for selection after recovering from illness.
Rashford, who was an unused substitute in the loss to Newcastle, is expected to bolster United’s attack.
Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount remain sidelined due to injury, which could influence Amorim’s choices in defence and midfield.
Based on the line-up used in the spirited draw against Liverpool, United might adopt a similar structure with some adjustments
Predicted Manchester United XI (3-4-2-1): Bayindir, Leny Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Mazraoui, Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford
Match Prediction
This FA Cup clash promises to be tightly contested, with Arsenal entering as favourites due to their superior form. The Gunners, despite missing key players like Saka and White, have shown resilience and maintain a strong record at the Emirates.
Ødegaard and Declan Rice are expected to control the midfield, while Martinelli’s pace could trouble United’s defence.
Manchester United, however, will look to capitalize on their improved intensity from the Liverpool game and their renewed discipline in the midfield in fighting for the second ball.
Both teams are under pressure to stay in the trophy hunt, which could lead to a cautious approach. Arsenal’s creativity without Saka may be limited, while United’s shaky defending against setpiece remains a concern.
A draw seems the likely outcome, with both sides finding the net but unable to break the deadlock.
My prediction you ask? 1-1, with extra time and penalties if needed, to decide the victors.