The FA Cup third round takes centre stage this weekend and the Premier League moves aside, but one of the top-flight’s most celebrated rivalries features as Arsenal host Man United on Sunday afternoon.
The Gooners suffered their first home defeat of the season in their first leg Carabao Cup semi-final tie during the week as they try to fill a Bukayo Saka shaped hole in their side, while United will hope to wring ever drop of positivity from a battling draw at Anfield last weekend amid a run of five games without a win.
Bringing a little bit of extra magic to proceedings this weekend is our own cup hero, Peter Crouch, who’s going to attempt a giantkilling act of his own with this week’s Bet Builder – and remember, Paddy’s Super Sub offer means your FA Cup bet rolls on even if your player selection gets taken off early…
Arsenal v Man United Bet Builder
Arsenal to win
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
Amad Diallo to have 2+ shots
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Sunday, January 12, 3pm
WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: BBC One, BBC iPlayer
It’s obviously important to win something like the FA or league cup this season for a team like Arsenal, but I’d still believe in what they’re doing under Mikel Arteta even if they end up without a trophy this season.
He’s built a really good team and competing with Man City in recent years has been so difficult. Liverpool have been relentless this year, so Arsenal have come up against tough competition, but whenever I watch them they look like a top side still, they just haven’t got over the line yet.
He’s done a fantastic job and I wouldn’t worry too much about trophies. They’ve built a really good squad.
Injuries to key players are what could cost them.
Martin Odegaard missed a lot of time earlier in the season and now they’re dealing with Bukayo Saka being out.
They are going to feel that – it’s like Mo Salah being out for Liverpool.
They’ll suffer without him, but they have depth and are still within touching distance at the top of the league. If Liverpool slip up I think they’ll be the closest challengers.
United were fantastic at Liverpool last week. I didn’t see it coming.
When you see them play like that you wonder how have they suffered those poor results before that game.
The midfield had good balance with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. It was energetic and they could cover the ground when the week before they had Casemiro and Christian Eriksen there and they couldn’t get around.
They looked sharp across the team and carried a threat going forward. Bruno Fernandes in particular was great.
When they play like that you can see what they can do.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Ruben Amorim the head coach / manager of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
And I’ve really liked the manager so far. Given time, he’ll do a good job. It’s been a difficult start but there were promising signs in that Liverpool game.
It could be a springboard. It’s been a problem at Man United for a long time now where they’ve turned up in big games but not the rest of the time. But I felt like I saw more than just a flash in the pan in that game last week.
Arsenal to win
We can’t know for sure what teams they’ll put out, but I expect Ruben Amorim to pick a strong side – he has to. And Arteta will too as well as it’s a big game between two huge clubs. The cup is a chance for some silverware, after all.
But while United do look like they’re turning the corner for me, but I’m leaning towards Arsenal edging it in 90 minutes.
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
When you’ve got two players like Gabriel and Saliba who can attack set-pieces, and you’re able to put the ball in the right place, they’re always going to be a big threat.
Every club spends time on set-pieces – I played for Stoke, so I can speak from experience. It gets attention when you score goals from them – Arsenal now reminds me of the throw-in routines we had.
I’m not sure Arsenal do any more work on these than any other team, it’s just that recently their routines have been working.
But they are obviously causing teams problems at the moment, they did in the league fixture before Christmas between these sides, and Gabriel is probably a decent shout for a goal, or at least a shot on target in our Bet Builder.
Amad Diallo to have 2+ shots
He stood out to me on Sunday, scored a great goal, and has just signed a new contract as one of their better players this season. He’ll be one to watch on Sunday and should get a few shots off.
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
I fancy a few cards and fouls in this game, to be honest. It’s a cup game and Thomas Partey in midfield seems a decent option for at least one foul if not more.
Peter Crouch’s Arsenal v Man United tips
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A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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