Overview
Manchester United are gradually stabilizing under coach Ruben Amorim. Of course, the "Red Devils" still have to make a lot of effort if they want to aim for specific goals this season.
A 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool was an encouraging result for Man United, who, with no Carabao Cup action in midweek, can now focus on the FA Cup.
However, Man United still has many problems, most notably the future of Marcus Rashford and Garnacho. Besides, Amorim has not yet found the optimal 3-4-3 tactical formation. The Portuguese strategist's formation with 3 central defenders still shows many errors.
Meanwhile, Arsenal also have their own problems, which is the ability to convert opportunities into goals. The loss to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final was the clearest proof, when the "Gunners" strikers missed many favorable situations. The absence of Bukayo Saka further makes them lack dangerous attacking options on the right wing.
However, Arsenal is still rated higher than Man United in this match. Coach Mikel Arteta's team also has the home advantage of Emirates Stadium.
This will be the 16th FA Cup match - not counting replays or second legs - between Arsenal and Man United, the second most in the history of the competition, behind Liverpool - Everton (19 matches).
However, this will be the first time the two most successful clubs in the FA Cup (Arsenal 14 titles, Man United 13 titles) have met in the third round of the tournament.
Human resources situation
Arsenal will be without Saka, Sterling and Nwaneri through injury. Arteta is expected to move Gabriel Jesus to the left wing to support Odegaard and Havertz - two players who have just returned from illness.
On the other side of the front line, Man United's lineup is expected to have not many changes compared to the draw with Liverpool. Bruno Fernandes will continue to play the role of conductor, supporting striker Hojlund.
Expected lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.
Man United: Onana, Martinez, De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui, Dalot, Mainoo, Diallo, Ugarte, Bruno, Hojlund.
The match between Arsenal and Man United takes place at 22:00 on January 12 (Vietnam time).
