Arsenal and Manchester United will face off in a highly anticipated FA Cup clash on Sunday, with both Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim aiming to guide their teams to the trophy in May.
Arsenal will host United in what promises to be the standout tie of the FA Cup third round. Both managers are expected to field strong lineups to reflect the importance of the occasion.
Manchester United enter the match off the back of their best performance under Amorim, following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend. Amorim hinted at minimal squad rotation, citing the team’s current form and readiness. “We’ve had a week without a game, a day off after Liverpool, and time to prepare. It doesn’t make sense to rest players now,” Amorim said in his pre-match press conference.
He emphasized the need to build on their recent performance, adding, “We’re in a different moment now. My focus is on choosing the best team to win. We want to win the FA Cup, and anything can happen in this competition.” The only confirmed change is the inclusion of back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, with Andre Onana set to be rested.
Arsenal, however, are expected to tweak their starting XI as they aim to recover from a midweek 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Mikel Arteta is likely to bring Riccardo Calafiori into the side at right-back, replacing Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Mikel Merino could replace Thomas Partey in midfield. Raheem Sterling may also make his first start for the Gunners.
Arteta, like Amorim, has set his sights on FA Cup glory. “This competition is a massive part of our history; we’ve won it 14 times,” Arteta said. “It’s a beautiful game against a massive club, and with the incredible support from the fans, it’s a very special occasion. We want to win this tie and go as far as possible.”
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