Arsenal will host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday for their FA Cup third-round clash, with Mikel Arteta having the opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of a crucial North London Derby just days later. Arsenal’s squad has been struggling with injuries and illnesses in recent weeks, and following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Arteta will be eager to get a positive result. While the FA Cup may provide a chance to rest some key players, the importance of maintaining momentum ahead of the North London Derby means that Arteta is unlikely to make sweeping changes.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Arsenal’s predicted lineup for their FA Cup match against Manchester United, the tactical decisions Arteta might make, and the players who are likely to feature given the current injury situation and Arteta’s tactical preferences.
Injury Concerns and Rotation Plans
Arsenal’s injury situation hasn’t changed significantly since their Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. The team is still missing several key players, including some regular starters, which leaves Arteta with a few tough decisions to make. As the Gunners are facing a congested fixture schedule, with the North London Derby against Tottenham coming up next Wednesday, it is crucial for Arteta to manage his squad effectively.
The FA Cup tie offers Arteta the chance to rotate, especially given that Manchester United might not field their strongest team either. With key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice out, Arteta will have to rely on squad depth. The Gunners have been in a good run of form in the league, but their performances in cup competitions have not been as consistent, so Arteta will be looking to raise the spirits of the squad with a win in front of their home fans.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Manchester United (4-3-3)
Given the injuries and the upcoming derby, Arteta is expected to make a few changes while maintaining enough strength to ensure Arsenal can compete with Manchester United. Here is the predicted starting lineup in a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Neto
One of the most intriguing aspects of the FA Cup clash will be the inclusion of Neto in goal. The Brazilian goalkeeper has not yet featured for Arsenal in the Premier League due to the strong competition from David Raya. Neto was cup-tied for the Carabao Cup tie and has been waiting for his chance in the FA Cup. With Arteta likely to rotate, this match provides a perfect opportunity for Neto to make his Arsenal debut and showcase his abilities in a competitive fixture. Given the injury concerns around Aaron Ramsdale, this could be a significant opportunity for Neto to make a claim for more first-team minutes.
Right Back: Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber has been one of the most consistent performers for Arsenal since his arrival in the summer. Timber scored against Manchester United in the league earlier this season and will be looking to repeat that success in this cup tie. His ability to both defend and contribute going forward will be crucial as Arsenal will need to balance attacking play with solid defensive duties against a potent Manchester United attack.
In recent matches, Timber has provided solid performances both defensively and offensively, and Arteta will rely on him to deal with the threat posed by United’s attacking players, particularly Diogo Dalot, who will look to stretch the Arsenal defense. Timber’s versatility and understanding of Arteta’s system make him a natural fit to start in this match.
Centre-Back: William Saliba
William Saliba has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defense this season. Despite a packed fixture schedule, Arteta has kept Saliba in the lineup consistently. The Frenchman’s combination of pace, strength, and composure on the ball has made him an indispensable part of Arsenal’s defense. With Gabriel Magalhães unavailable for this match, Saliba will be tasked with leading the backline alongside another central defender.
Despite the temptation to rotate, Arteta will likely keep Saliba in the lineup as the team needs his experience and leadership, especially against a dangerous Manchester United team. With the North London Derby looming, Arteta will want to ensure his best defenders are match fit.
Centre-Back: Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior has had limited opportunities for Arsenal since his summer move from Spezia, but Arteta may choose to give him a start in this FA Cup clash against United. Kiwior has shown potential in the limited minutes he has played, but his inexperience at the highest level has been evident. However, if Kiwior does start, it is likely that Arteta will pair him with Saliba, who can provide the leadership and organization that Kiwior might need.
This could be a vital opportunity for Kiwior to show Arteta that he is capable of stepping up and contributing to Arsenal’s success, particularly as the Gunners will be aiming to keep a clean sheet and build momentum ahead of the more challenging Premier League games to come.
Left Back: Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori’s minutes have been carefully managed by Arteta this season, and he was not involved in Arsenal’s midweek defeat to Newcastle. Given that Arteta has frequently rotated his full-backs in cup competitions, Calafiori is expected to start at left-back for the FA Cup tie against Manchester United.
Calafiori’s performances have been solid, and this game will provide him with a chance to impress and potentially earn a spot in the starting lineup for the upcoming league fixtures. He will be tasked with dealing with United’s right flank, which could feature players like Antony or Jadon Sancho. Defensively, Calafiori will need to be disciplined, while offensively, he will look to provide width and support to the attack.
Midfield: Jorginho
Jorginho’s role in this game could be crucial as Arteta may decide to rest some of his more regular midfielders for the FA Cup tie. The experienced Italian midfielder has been used more sparingly this season, but his technical ability and experience make him a valuable asset in a cup competition like the FA Cup.
Jorginho will likely operate in the holding midfield role, providing stability and helping Arsenal control possession. His passing range and ability to read the game will be key in dictating play from the center of the park, particularly as United will likely press high to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up play.
Midfield: Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is another player who could feature in this match as Arteta looks to rotate his squad. Merino has shown glimpses of his quality since joining Arsenal, and this game provides him with an opportunity to stake a claim for more first-team action. The Spanish midfielder is a strong all-rounder, capable of breaking up play and contributing offensively with his passing range and creativity.
Merino will need to offer support to Jorginho in the middle of the park, helping Arsenal maintain control of possession and prevent United from dictating the tempo of the game.
Midfield: Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard’s performances have been under the microscope recently, as he has struggled to find the same level of form that saw him shine earlier in the season. With Bukayo Saka unavailable for this match, Ødegaard’s role in the midfield will be even more important as he will need to step up as the creative force in the team.
Arteta will be hoping for a more inspired performance from Ødegaard, who will be expected to link play and provide the necessary service to Arsenal’s forwards. His ability to make key passes and contribute to attacking transitions will be vital if Arsenal are to break down Manchester United’s defense.
Right Wing: Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling made his return to the squad following a knee injury and was on the bench for Arsenal’s recent loss to Newcastle. The England international could be given a chance to start in this FA Cup match, especially with Bukayo Saka unavailable.
Sterling’s pace, directness, and ability to stretch defenses will give Arsenal a different dimension on the right flank. He will be looking to build confidence and find form ahead of the North London Derby.
Striker: Gabriel Jesus
With Kai Havertz still recovering from illness and not in the best condition, Gabriel Jesus will likely get the nod as Arsenal’s main striker for this FA Cup tie. Jesus has been a key player for Arsenal, and his ability to link up play, create chances, and score goals makes him a natural choice for the starting XI.
Arteta will rely on Jesus to lead the line and provide a threat in and around the box, especially with the creative support of Ødegaard, Sterling, and Martinelli. Jesus’ work rate and movement off the ball will also be crucial in dragging United’s defenders out of position and creating space for his teammates.
Left Wing: Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli has had a somewhat inconsistent season so far, but with Leandro Trossard struggling for form, Arteta will likely opt for Martinelli on the left wing. Martinelli’s direct running and pressing abilities will make him a key outlet for Arsenal in transition.
As Arsenal’s options on the left-hand side have been limited this season, Martinelli’s pace and work ethic are likely to be valuable assets in breaking down Manchester United’s defensive line. He will be tasked with providing width and support to Jesus in the final third.
Conclusion
The FA Cup clash against Manchester United presents Mikel Arteta with the chance to rotate his squad and experiment with new combinations, while still keeping the team competitive. With injuries and the upcoming North London Derby on the horizon, Arteta’s lineup will be a careful balance of experience and youthful energy. The predicted lineup of Neto, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori, Jorginho, Merino, Ødegaard, Sterling, Jesus, and Martinelli should give Arsenal enough strength to challenge Manchester United, while also allowing Arteta to rest some key players ahead of the more important league fixtures.
