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While the third round of the FA Cup is all about giant-killing and lower league success stories, Sunday’s all-star clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will undoubtedly attract the most eyeballs.
The historic rivals have dueled 16 times in England’s oldest cup competition and In early December, the Premier League kicked it out. Arsenal were also the hosts on that occasion, beating Ruben Amorim’s side 2-0 courtesy of a couple of set-piece strikes.
A confidence-boosting draw at Anfield last time out That suggests Man Utd could make life more challenging for Arsenal on Sunday, with both sides likely to make changes ahead of midweek Premier League action.
Here are three key battles that could prove crucial in north London.
Armory Bukayo will be without 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 without their talismanic winger in recent matches, with the creative burden resting solely on Martin Odegaard’s shoulders.
The Norwegian playmaker has been off-colour in recent weeks, however, struggling to perform to his usual standard. Only Saka is averaging more chances than Odegaard in the Premier League this term but the Arsenal skipper has managed just one chance in his last three games.
Manuel Ugart will have the main responsibility of stifling Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium and the Uruguayan is starting to find his feet under old teammate Amorim. No player made more tackles than the summer signing at Anfield last Sunday and his combative approach will be vital in denying Arsenal’s most creative influence.
Amad Diallo has been a game-changer many times over Man u In this season. During the normalization campaign, the Ivorians, who has just signed a new long-term deal with the clubHas often been the only shining light for the Red Devils.
Amad once again proved to be the man for the big occasion, breaking Reds’ hearts in the last term in this competition with a dramatic late winner during a 4-3 duel and scoring the equalizer against Liverpool. Arsenal will be wary of his stance for match-winning moments.
Whether Amad starts in right midfield or in the right centre-forward spot remains to be seen but Ricardo Calafiori could be his rival. The Italian is an energetic and spirited defender who is unlikely to sit out Man Utd’s number 16. It will make for an interesting battle and it could prove decisive.
Calafiori, who was an unused substitute during Arsenal Midweek Carabao Cup defeatCurrently leading the Gunners in the Premier League for successful tackles per 90. He will have to time his interventions smartly against Man Utd’s livewire.
Gabriel Jesus exemplified the influence of confidence for the centre-forward during the 2024 closing. After finding the net just once between February and November, the Brazilian scored six in four matches, most recently finding the net. New Year’s Day against Brentford.
The former Manchester City forward has always been a streaky player and currently finds himself in a purple patch, which Mikel Arteta should take advantage of on Sunday. He will fancy his chances to add to the solitary goal against the Red Devils in the past 14 meetings.
Harry Maguire will likely be at centre-half directly opposite Jesus, with the Man Utd defender sitting in the center of the back three. He showed plenty of leadership and tenacity at Anfield last weekend to frustrate the Premier League’s most potent attack, even if he fired a sitter over the bar in the dying limbs.
Jesus’ guile and agility should, on paper at least, pose problems for Maguire, but the extra protection afforded the England international as part of a back three could see him dominate another fiercely-contested duel.
