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Having swatted aside Inter Milan at the San Siro in midweek, the Gunners will hope to put an end to their stuttering domestic form on Sunday afternoon. Mikel Arteta’s men have registered goalless draws in each of their last two Premier League outings – no English top-tier side has endured three consecutive stalemates for over a decade. Despite this, they currently find themselves seven points clear at the summit.
As well as being one of just two teams (alongside Sunderland) to have not yet lost on home soil this season, Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the league by some distance. Furthermore, the North Londoners haven’t been beaten since early December’s away defeat to Aston Villa – could this finally be their year?
Meanwhile, Manchester United gave Arsenal’s title aspirations a further boost by overcoming bitter rivals Manchester City. Last Saturday’s derby triumph ensured interim manager Michael Carrick made a perfect start to his tenure, after Darren Fletcher temporarily took the reins following Ruben Amorim’s explosive departure from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ last defeat also came at Villa Park, having racked up a respectable nine points amidst the recent managerial merry-go-round. Nevertheless, with just three away victories under their belt this season, securing a positive result at the Emirates may be too tall an order for what is still a fragile United outfit.
Arsenal v Manchester United – Key information
Date: Sunday, January 25th
Kick-off time: 16:30 (BST)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Craig Pawson (Assistant Referees: Lee Betts, Mat Wilkes, Fourth Official: Tom Bramall)
VAR: Paul Tierney (Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan)
TV Channels/Live Stream: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
Odds: Arsenal: 11/20, Draw: 16/5, Manchester United: 5/1
Odds provided by bet365
Arsenal v Manchester United team news
Neither manager has a long list of injury concerns, although both are unable to call upon the services of several key players. Expect Mikel Arteta to adopt his familiar 4-3-3 formation, while Manchester United adjust to life after Ruben Amorim’s stubbornly enforced system.
Arsenal team news
Having missed Arsenal’s eleven previous matches due to an ankle injury, Cristhian Mosquera made his long-awaited return to action on Tuesday night. The Spanish international did feature as an unused substitute at the City Ground last weekend, but managed to play 75 minutes in Milan. However, fellow centre-back Piero Hincapié remains sidelined after developing a groin issue during the Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
Italian full-back Riccardo Calafiori is another notable defensive absentee, while teenage sensation Max Dowman continues to recover from ankle ligament damage. There was a slight question mark over the fitness of Bukayo Saka at the beginning of the week, but the dynamic winger appears to be no longer carrying a knock.
After bagging a brace at the San Siro, Gabriel Jesus is hopeful of making his first Premier League start of the season. Viktor Gyökeres also scored against Inter Milan and has typically been entrusted to lead the line for Arsenal in crucial matches, so don’t be surprised if the Swedish marksman gets the nod on Sunday afternoon. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to be recalled to the starting XI following a rare midweek rest.
Arsenal predicted lineup v Manchester United (4-3-3)
Coach: Mikel Arteta
David Raya (GK); Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurriën Timber; Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard
Manchester United team news
Matthijs de Ligt is still nursing a back problem, but there’s hope the Dutch defender will complete his rehabilitation within the next fortnight. His compatriot Joshua Zirkzee picked up a knock in training last week, resulting in him sitting out Saturday’s headline-grabbing victory. Zirkzee has reportedly expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford in the January window, but Carrick’s arrival could offer the out-of-favour attacker a fresh opportunity to stake his claim.
After missing the Manchester derby through suspension, highly-rated youngster Shea Lacey is once again available for selection. The livewire winger was sent off after being introduced as a substitute in United’s FA Cup meeting with Brighton, but recently made positive cameo appearances against Aston Villa and Burnley.
Although he’s due a break following his exertions at the Africa Cup of Nations, Noussair Mazraoui could still be involved in some capacity on Sunday afternoon. The versatile Moroccan started all seven of his country’s matches throughout the tournament, including last weekend’s chaotic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Manchester United predicted lineup v Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Michael Carrick
Senne Lammens (GK); Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro; Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
Sky Sports is providing exclusive live coverage of this keenly anticipated tie as part of a packed Super Sunday line-up. Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester United will be screened on Sky Sports Main Event following the clash between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James’ Park, while viewers are also able to watch Brentford v Nottingham Forest or Crystal Palace v Chelsea earlier on in the day.
Commentators Peter Drury and Gary Neville will describe the action at the Emirates, with full match analysis being provided by Sky Sports’ familiar panel of experts after the full-time whistle. It's worth noting that customers with an enhanced Sky Sports subscription can enjoy the match in high definition by tuning into Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Head-to-Head record
Arsenal narrowly defeated Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season at Old Trafford, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s back-post header. The Gunners have beaten Sunday’s opponents in each of their last four league meetings in North London, which is the longest home winning run any team has put together against the 20-time English champions for well over four decades.
United haven’t won any of their last six Premier League clashes with Arsenal (lost 5/drew 1), but did manage to eliminate them at the third round stage of last season’s FA Cup following a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Emirates.
Arsenal v Manchester United – Match Result odds
Manchester United: 5/1 (bet365)
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change. All odds provided by bet365.