The FA Cup’s third round rarely treats us to a showdown between Premier League heavyweights, but this weekend breaks the mold. On Sunday, two of English football’s most storied clubs, Arsenal and Manchester United, are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. So, fans buckle up because the 3rd Round is giving us way more than we bargained for.
Manchester United find themselves in the midst of a crisis. Despite parting ways with Erik ten Hag and appointing Ruben Amorim, the team’s performances and results have shown little improvement. In fact, some might argue things have gone from bad to worse. The Red Devils are now winless in their last five games, and the overall morale at the club is scraping rock bottom. That said, their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield offered a glimmer of hope. It was a spirited performance that has given the squad a much-needed morale boost. Now, Amorim will be eager to channel that renewed energy and rally his players as they gear up for tomorrow’s showdown against Arsenal.
On the other hand, Arsenal head into this clash on the back of two bitterly disappointing results. Last week, the Gunners stumbled yet again, settling for a 1-1 draw against Brighton in a game they were expected to win. Things got worse midweek when Mikel Arteta’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal. Now, all eyes are on their FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United—a game they simply have to win to keep their hopes of silverware alive this season. In his five years as Arsenal’s manager, Arteta has only secured two trophies: the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in 2023. Another trophyless campaign will undoubtedly raise questions about his ability to deliver at the highest level.
Date: 12th January 2025
Time: 8:30 PM (IST)
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Location: London, England
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders: Gabriel (Arsenal), Saliba (Arsenal), Ricardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Diogo Dalot (United)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (United), Amad Diallo (United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Forwards: Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Rasmus Hojlund (United)
Choice 1: Gabriel Jesus (C), Martin Odegaard (VC)
Choice 2: Rasmus Hojlund(C), Bruno Fernandes (VC)
The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.
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