Arsenal vs Manchester United: FA Cup Third Round Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Clash of the Titans at the Emirates

Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a mouth-watering FA Cup third-round tie. Both clubs are among the competition’s most decorated, with Arsenal lifting the trophy a record 14 times and United close behind with 13 titles.

The Gunners last won the cup in Mikel Arteta’s debut season but have failed to progress past the fifth round since. Meanwhile, United’s victory over Manchester City in last season’s final was bittersweet, as it only briefly delayed Erik ten Hag’s departure. Now under Ruben Amorim, United are looking to rebuild after a challenging start to the season.

Arsenal enter the game fresh off a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Newcastle, while United showed signs of resurgence with a 2-2 draw at Anfield last weekend.

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, 12 January 2025
• Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
• Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Referee: Andy Madley
• VAR: Not in use

Recent Meetings (Last Five Games)

• Arsenal: 4 wins
• Manchester United: 0 wins
• Draws: 1
• Last Meeting: Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd (4 December 2024, Premier League)

Current Form (All Competitions)

Arsenal

• 0-2 vs Newcastle (07/01/25)
• 1-1 vs Brighton (04/01/25)
• 3-1 vs Brentford (01/01/25)
• 1-0 vs Ipswich (27/12/24)
• 5-1 vs Crystal Palace (21/12/24)

Manchester United

• 2-2 vs Liverpool (05/01/25)
• 0-2 vs Newcastle (30/12/24)
• 0-2 vs Wolves (26/12/24)
• 0-3 vs Bournemouth (22/12/24)
• 3-4 vs Tottenham (19/12/24)

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Neto
Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori
Midfielders: Jorginho, Merino, Odegaard
Forwards: Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli

Notable Absentees: Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White (injured)

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Yoro, Maguire, Martinez
Midfielders: Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot
Attackers: Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee

Notable Absentees: Marcus Rashford (excluded), Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof (injured)

Prediction

With both sides plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, this tie could be a tactical battle. Arsenal are missing their talisman Bukayo Saka, while United are still finding their footing under Amorim.

The Gunners will rely on their home advantage and attacking depth, but United’s recent improvements and fresher legs after a full week of training could tilt the balance. A tight contest could lead to extra time or penalties, where United’s mental resilience may shine through.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (United to win on penalties)