Arsenal will host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in Round 3 of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 12 as two Premier League titans will clash in the early stages of England’s oldest cup competition.
The Gunners were in great form for most of November and December as they lost just two games in the whole time, barring their last outing. Having secured four wins on the trot, they have slightly stumbled in their last two outings, drawing 1-1 against Brighton and falling to a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle at home.
While there is still time to come back from the lows of these results in terms of points, goals as well as morale, manager Mikel Arteta will be crystal clear with regards to his expectations from the team for the next few months. The manager has several injury woes to deal with but will ensure his team performs at a high level.
On that note, let’s see how Arsenal could lineup to face Man United?
Forward trouble – Will Mikel Arteta hand Gabriel Jesus a start?
For a change in Arsenal’s usual problems, the club is currently sorted with defensive personnel, but lacks quality and depth in their attacking side of things, which they need to address soon.
David Raya will continue to start between the sticks, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori making up the back four. Myles Lewis-Skelly started last time but will be rotated for the next.
In midfield, Martin Odegaard will aim to snap out of his creative lull, and will start alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey – both of whom have been great for the Gunners’ midfield this season.
Up front lie the real dilemmas Arteta will face. Gabriel Martinelli will start on the right flank, Kai Havertz will start as the central striker and remain up top, while Gabriel Jesus could start on the left side.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man United: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard (C), Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.
