New Delhi: It is the clash of the Titans as two of the most successful outfits of the FA Cup, Manchester United and Arsenal, face each other in the Emirates Stadium on January 12th, 2025. Defending champions Man United are chasing their record-equalling title after a surprise win over Manchester City in the final whilst the Gunners have failed to lift the title since 2020, which marked their 14th title, the most by any team.
Arsenal have some of their highest moments in the competition including their record of the most number of winning streak in the final of seven, joint with Tottenham Hotspur. They emerged as the superpowers of the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger, with seven triumphs under the French manager. However, since lifting their title in 2020 in Wembley, the Gunners haven’t exhibited their potential in the competition.
⚪️ 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️
🆚 Manchester United
🕒 3pm (UK)
🏆 FA Cup
🏟 Emirates Stadium pic.twitter.com/92nA63E40i— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 12, 2025
Over these last four seasons, Arsenal have seen two fourth-round and two third-round exits, exiting to Liverpool last season in the exact this stage of the competition. Mikel Arteta’s side come to the draw after yet another knockout game disappointment having lost to Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup’s first leg of the semi-final. Their game was marked by giving away chances to break the Magpies’ defence, losing their first home loss in the season across competitions.
Manchester United have lost all of their last four games against Arsenal, with their latest one coming just a few weeks ago where the Red Devils lost 2-0 at the Emirate Stadium. Since the loss, Ruben Amorim’s team haven’t had the best of phase, with talks about relegations surrounding the 13-time Premier League champions becoming louder as they keep fighting for a place in the top flight after half the season has elapsed.
Our defence of the #FACup begins here 🏆📍#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2025
Still United come into the draw with much more confidence after denying Premier League table leaders Liverpool all three points last weekend at Anfield with a 2-2 draw. Though they haven’t won once in their last five games across competitions, United have only conceded once in their last 10 FA Cup third-round games, progressing in each of those tournaments. In their last four FA Cup clashes against Arsenal, United have won thrice, including a 3-1 win at the Emirates in 2019.
Team News
For Arsenal, their injury bank remains the same, with Arteta not having four right-sided choices as Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle), Ben White (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu continue to be on the sidelines. In their EFL Cup clash against Newcastle, Arsenal had changed their attacking tactics as Leandro Trossard started on the right flank. However, the Belgium international was substituted before completing one hour on the field and could be losing his place to Gabriel Jesus.
Raheem Sterling, though, has recovered from illness but is unlikely to be in the starting squad. Riccardo Calafiori might be considered on the left in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly, with loaned goalkeeper Neto, who was ineligible to take part in the EFL Cup game, may make his debut for the side.
Manchester United are also coming into the game without any injury concerns from the Liverpool game, though Marcus Rashford was removed from the matchday squad due to illness. Though the English forward may have recovered from his illness, his associates are now trying to help him exit Old Trafford during the winter transfer period and is unclear if he will be part of the team against Arsenal.
Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof (unknown), and Luke Shaw (calf) will be absent from Amorim’s selection, who has been making a vast number of changes from match to match, but the Portuguese manager will try to maintain the same outfield from Anfield. Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayindir will be handling the goalpost instead of Andre Onana despite a poor outing in the EFL Cup last month.
Predicted lineup
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester United: Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
Predictions: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
Head to Head
The two teams have played 215 games against each other across the competition, beginning their rivalry in 1906 in the first division. Arsenal have won 78 times and have played overall 46 draws, while Manchester United have won more times with 91 wins. Arsenal have come out as victors in their last four games, losing to United last time in 2022 in the Premier League. Their last FA Cup meeting was in 2019, where Arsenal lost 3-1.
Where to watch FA Cup 2024-25 third-round games in India?
Fans in India can watch the FA Cup 2024-25 clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at 8:30 PM IST live on Sony Sports Network. The live streaming of games will also be available for watch on the Sony Liv app and website.
Arsenal and defending champions Manchester United face each other at the Emirates Stadium for the FA Cup 2024/25 third round as the two most successful team in the competition. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
