Arsenal and Manchester United, two of the most decorated clubs in FA Cup history, face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a highly anticipated third-round clash.
While Arsenal look to bounce back from a midweek Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle, United are aiming to build on a promising display in their draw against Liverpool last weekend.
Match Details
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
- Date: Sunday, 12 January 2025
- Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
- Referee: Andy Madley
- VAR: Not in use
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Arsenal: 4 wins
- Man Utd: 0 wins
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd (December 4, 2024) – Premier League
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal
- 07/01/25: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle
- 04/01/25: Brighton 1-1 Arsenal
- 01/01/25: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
- 27/12/24: Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich
- 21/12/24: Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal
Man Utd
- 05/01/25: Liverpool 2-2 Man Utd
- 30/12/24: Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle
- 26/12/24: Wolves 2-0 Man Utd
- 22/12/24: Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
- 19/12/24: Tottenham 4-3 Man Utd
Team News
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad ahead of the North London Derby.
- Injuries: Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White are unavailable.
- Expected Changes: Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, and Jakub Kiwior are likely to feature. Neto could make his first start, while Raheem Sterling is back after recovering from a knee injury.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):
Neto; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Jorginho, Merino, Odegaard; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli.
Man Utd
Ruben Amorim will likely stick with a similar lineup to the one that impressed at Anfield.
- Injuries: Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof are sidelined. Marcus Rashford has been excluded from the squad as he seeks a summer exit.
- Potential Changes: Leny Yoro and Alejandro Garnacho could return to the starting XI.
Predicted Man Utd XI (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
Match Analysis and Prediction
Both teams have struggled for consistency, and this game presents an opportunity for either side to build momentum.
- Arsenal’s Approach: Without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s attack will rely heavily on Gabriel Martinelli, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus. Set-pieces and sustained pressure will be key.
- Man Utd’s Strategy: United are likely to focus on defensive solidity and counter-attacking through Alejandro Garnacho and Amad. Bruno Fernandes’ creativity could be pivotal.
The match is expected to be tightly contested, with both managers aiming for tactical supremacy. While Arsenal’s home advantage gives them an edge, United’s recent improvements under Amorim and their fresher legs could tilt the balance.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (Man Utd to win on penalties)
