Arsenal face what could be a pivotal moment in their season as they face Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners’ Premier League title challenge faces difficulties, while their first-leg defeat against Newcastle in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup leaves Mikel Arteta’s side with a mountain to climb to reach the final.
Arsenal have a chance at sealing progression into the fourth round of the competition, and knocking out last season’s winners in the same moment. Ruben Amorim’s side have not been in great form recently – but have had strong showings in big away games at Manchester City and Liverpool, so Arteta’s team will need to be on their toes to prevent any slip-ups.
Tom Canton
Choosing this team has been tougher than I thought and the extra rest that Manchester United have had, there needs to be some changes from the side that lost to Newcastle while maintaining quality. The back five is the same barring Myles Lewis-Skelly who is replaced by Riccardo Calafiori, perhaps a better match for Amad Diallo.
In midfield Declan Rice moves to the No.6 role and then Mikel Merino comes in for Thomas Partey. The Spaniard offers some fresh legs for the game with hope that Martin Odegaard might finally rediscover some of his best form.
Raheem Sterling was on the bench midweek and the hope will be he can help cover the absence of Bukayo Saka – if not, it has to be asked why we signed him? Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli complete the front three.
Tom’ Arsenal XI vs Man Utd: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli.
Joe Doyle
This game arguably does not come at an ideal time for Arsenal. Judging on their last showing against Liverpool, this Manchester United side is not the same one the Gunners faced just over a month ago when Ruben Amorim took charge.
That being said, Arsenal should still be good enough to progress into the next round. I’d be surprised if Mikel Arteta chose this game to give Neto his debut for the Gunners, so for me David Raya starts in goal.
At the back, there’s only one real decision to make and it’s between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. I think with the way United have focused their attacks this season, the majority of their attacking play will come on the other side of the pitch. So Lewis-Skelly should start for what he brings to the attack. He starts with Jurrien Timber at right-back and a central pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
In midfield, Declan Rice starts along with Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, for me. This trio can dominate the ball in among a United duo, and Merino’s slightly more progressive qualities means he starts ahead of Thomas Partey.
In attack, I’d be tempted to start Gabriel Jesus on the right to get both him and Kai Havertz in the team. Leandro Trossard has failed to deliver regularly in recent weeks, and Gabriel Martinelli’s pace is too dangerous – with Jesus’ play in off the right causing troubles for United.
Joe’s XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
