FA Cup : Arsenal vs Man United preview 01/12/2025
The FA Cup third round presents a marquee matchup as Arsenal host Manchester United on Sunday, January 12, 2025. This encounter between two of England's most storied clubs is set to take place at the Emirates Stadium in London, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM GMT.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: To be announced
Broadcast Information
United Kingdom: The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BT Sport. Live streaming is available for subscribers via the BBC iPlayer and BT Sport platforms.
United States: Viewers can watch the game live on ESPN+.
Playing Ground: Emirates Stadium
The Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal since 2006, boasts a seating capacity of over 60,000. Known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, it provides a fitting backdrop for high-stakes encounters such as this FA Cup tie.
Team News
Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta faces several injury concerns ahead of the fixture:
Unavailable Players:
Bukayo Saka: Sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Ben White: Out with a knee issue.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Unavailable because of a knee injury.
Potential Returns:
Riccardo Calafiori: Rested in the previous match against Newcastle United; expected to start.
Manchester United
Manager Erik ten Hag has a relatively fit squad but will assess the following:
Unavailable Players:
Lisandro Martinez: Serving a suspension.
Injury Doubts:
Luke Shaw: Facing a late fitness test due to a minor knock.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Neto
Defenders:
Cedric Soares
William Saliba
Gabriel Magalhães
Kieran Tierney
Midfielders:
Martin Ødegaard
Thomas Partey
Emile Smith Rowe
Forwards:
Gabriel Martinelli
Eddie Nketiah
Reiss Nelson
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Defenders:
Diogo Dalot
Raphaël Varane
Harry Maguire
Tyrell Malacia
Midfielders:
Casemiro
Christian Eriksen
Bruno Fernandes
Forwards:
Antony
Marcus Rashford
Anthony Martial
Head-to-Head
Arsenal and Manchester United share a rich rivalry, having faced each other numerous times across all competitions. In the FA Cup, Arsenal holds a slight advantage, with 8 wins to United's 7 in their 15 FA Cup meetings. Their most recent FA Cup encounter was in January 2019, where Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Recent Form
Arsenal
The Gunners are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they were unable to convert, highlighting a need for clinical finishing. In the Premier League, Arsenal remains in contention for the title, currently sitting second, six points behind leaders Liverpool.
Manchester United
United comes into this fixture with confidence, having drawn 2-2 against Liverpool in their recent Premier League outing. Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, they have shown tactical flexibility, often employing a 3-4-3 formation that emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions. This approach has yielded positive results, making them a formidable opponent.
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta's side typically operates in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlled build-up play and maintaining possession. The absence of key players like Bukayo Saka may impact their attacking dynamics, potentially leading to a reliance on alternative creative outlets such as Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. Defensively, the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães will be crucial in containing United's attacking threats.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has implemented a system that emphasizes high pressing and forcing opponents into wide areas. This strategy aims to disrupt the opposition's build-up play and create opportunities for quick counter-attacks. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are pivotal in this setup, providing creativity and pace in the final third. Defensively, the potential absence of Lisandro Martinez due to suspension may necessitate adjustments in the backline.
