While the third round of the FA Cup revolves around giant-killings and success stories from the lower leagues, Sunday’s all-star clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will undoubtedly attract the most attention.
The historic rivals have met 16 times in the oldest English cup competition and he won it in the Premier League at the beginning of December. Arsenal were the hosts on that occasion as well, beating Ruben Amorim’s side 2-0 thanks to a couple of breakaways.
A confidence-boosting draw at Anfield last time out suggests Man Utd could make life more of a challenge for Arsenal on Sunday, with both sides potentially making changes ahead of midweek Premier League fixtures.
Here are three key battles that could prove decisive in North London.
Arsenal will be without Bukaya Saka once again on Sunday, and the winger’s absence will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the Gunners. They have lacked energy and creativity in recent games without their talismanic winger, and the creative burden falls solely on the shoulders of Martin Odegaard.
However, the Norwegian playmaker has been out of action in recent weeks, struggling to perform to his usual standards. Only Saka is averaging more chances than Odegaard in the Premier League this term, but the Arsenal captain has managed just one chance in his last three games.
It will be Manuel Ugarte’s main responsibility to stifle Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium, with the Uruguayan starting to settle under old ally Amorim. No player made more moves than the summer signing at Anfield last Sunday, and his combative approach will be crucial in denying Arsenal’s most creative influence.
Amad Diallo often changed the game Man Utd this season. During the mediocrity campaign, Bjelokovac, who just signed a new long-term contract with the clubhe was often the only light for the Red Devils.
Amad proved once again that he is the man for the big occasion last weekend, scoring the equalizer against Liverpool who broke the Reds’ hearts last season in this competition with a dramatic late winner during a 4-3 tie. Arsenal will be wary of his penchant for match-winning moments.
Whether Amad starts in right midfield or right center forward remains to be seen, but Riccardo Calafiori is likely to be his opponent. The Italian is an energetic and brave defender, who is unlikely to sit in Man Utd’s number 16. This will make for an interesting battle that could prove decisive.
Calafiori, who was an unused substitute during Arsenal’s time midweek defeat in the Carabao Cuphe currently leads the Gunners for successful tackles on 90 in the Premier League. He will need to time his interventions expertly against Man Utd’s livewire.
Gabriel Jesus has shown an example of the impact of confidence for a centre-forward at the end of 2024. After scoring just once between February and November, the Brazilian has scored six in four games, the latest coming on New Year against Brentford.
The former Manchester City striker has always been a colorful player and is currently in the purple spot, something Mikel Arteta must take advantage of on Sunday. He will fancy his chances of scoring the only goal against the Red Devils in the last 14 meetings.
Harry Maguire is likely to be the centre-half who will face Jesus directly, with the Man Utd defender sitting in the middle of the back three. He showed immense leadership and tenacity at Anfield last weekend to thwart the Premier League’s strongest attack, even if he then fired the keeper over the bar in the dying embers.
Jesus’ guile and agility should, on paper at least, cause problems for Maguire, but the added protection provided to the England international as part of the back three could see him dominate in another hotly contested matchup.
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