So there’s a lot going on in Sunday’s clash at the Emirates, and that’s even before you get to the two managers.
Mikel Arteta has done a good job at Arsenal, returning the Gunners to title challengers in his five years in charge. However, despite all their progress, the end result is that they have only won one trophy – the 2020 FA Cup.
Given that it was in the middle of the Covid pandemic and the game was played behind closed doors, Arteta has yet to enjoy the sensation of parading the trophy (assuming we take away the Community Shield) in front of the club’s fans.
Let’s make it ours 👊 pic.twitter.com/lyNGCoDTBl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025
Similarly for Ruben Amorim, the cup has an added sense of importance this season.
United have limped to 23 points in the league and are 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League is probably not a starter, so the realistic goals between now and May are a mid-table finish and success in the knockout competitions.
The Europa League provides an opportunity, as does the FA Cup.
United are the defending champions after last season’s triumph over Manchester City last season and Amorim says he will take a strong side to North London.
He said: “I see what everyone sees. It’s a really old competition with a lot of history.
“I remember watching some of the finals, including when we won the Treble in 1999.
“We have won several cups and we want to continue. At this stage we already have a very strong match that we want to win and we want to improve our image and performance.
“We are in a difficult moment. We are progressing, we will put out the best team to try to win. I will pick the best team to win. We want to win the cup.”
Team news
Arsenal are still without Bukaya Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are long-term absentees.
The good news for Arteta is the fact that Raheem Sterling is fit again, while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard started in midweek in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle after recovering from illness.
Amorim confirmed on Friday that backup goalkeeper Altay Baydinir will start in place of Andre Onana.
Marcus Rashford is back from illness, but the best the renegade striker can hope for is a place on the bench.
Expected lineups
Arsenal: Ray; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli
Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund
