FA Cup holders Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal in a mouthwatering third-round clash on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils have not got going under new boss Ruben Amorim, losing six games from 11. But hope has arrived in the most unlikely of places—at Anfield—where Amorim’s team held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw after a spirited and more coherent display.
The Mancunian giants now have a template to follow but face a challenge against the Gunners, who were beaten 2-0 at home to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Mikel Arteta’s men have not been at their very best this season, failing to capitalize on Liverpool’s dropped points in the title race.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the key battles that could define the outcome of this FA Cup tie.
#Gabriel Jesus vs Harry Maguire
Gabriel Jesus should be expected to lead the Arsenal attack here after starting the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle on the bench. The Brazilian has shown the best form of late than he ever at the club, netting seven goals in his last eight games across all competitions.
Amid the Gunners’ goalscoring woes, Jesus’ form is not only a positive but more of a requirement at the moment. However, standing in front of him will likely be Harry Maguire, who produced his season’s best performance in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The England international was a beast in the air, made crunching challenges and passed out confidently from the back. In fact, he could have won the game for Man United with the last kick of the contest. Nonetheless, Maguire’s confidence will be high when facing Jesus, and whoever wins this battle may have a big say in the clash.
#Martin Odegaard vs Manuel Ugarte
Martin Odegaard is the beating heart of this Arsenal side. He is the creative glue, making Arteta’s side tick with his incisive passing, smart movement, flair, vision and leadership skills. However, he had an extremely quiet game in midweek against Newcastle as the likes of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali physically dominated him.
If the Gunners are to get back to playing free-flowing football against Man United, they will require their skipper to step up. Thus, Manuel Ugarte will have his task cut out. Expected to operate in the No.6. role again, the Uruguayan, who was sensational with his tackling, ball-winning, energy and passing, cannot afford to give Odegaard space and time on the ball. He has to stick closer to the Gunners’ creator-in-chief, trying to nullify his threat in the final third.
If Ugarte can tame Odegaard, Man United’s chances of advancing past Arsenal to the FA Cup fourth round will become higher.
#Amad Diallo vs Gabriel Magalhaes
Amad Diallo has been the biggest beneficiary since Amorim’s appointment at Man United. Sporadically used by former boss Erik ten Hag, the Ivorian has wasted no time in becoming one of the first names on Amorim’s team sheet. He has scored some big goals, which includes against Man City, Spurs and recently Liverpool.
Fresh from signing a bumper new contract until 2030, Diallo will be keen to continue his impressive form. Monitoring his movements in the final third is a difficult task as the 22-year-old is quick and skillful. The task of handling the Man United attacker will fall on the shoulders of Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been one of the Premier League’s best defenders in the last couple of years.
The Arsenal star has been a pillar of strength at the back, forging a formidable partnership with William Saliba. Gabriel has to be at his imperious best to stop Diallo, who may need just one moment to leave a mark in the game just as he did at Anfield.
