3 key battles that could decide the tie in the FA Cup

While the FA Cup third round is all about giant killings and success stories in the lower league, Sunday’s all-star clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will undoubtedly attract the biggest number of eyes.

The two historic rivals have dueled 16 times in England’s oldest cup competition Beat them in the Premier League in early December. Arsenal were the hosts on that occasion too, beating Ruben Amorim’s side 2-0 thanks to several set pieces.

A draw boosts confidence at Anfield last time It suggests Manchester United could make life more difficult for Arsenal on Sunday, with both sides likely to make changes ahead of their midweek Premier League clash.

Here are three key battles that could be decisive in North London.

Arsenal He will be without Bukayo Saka again on Sunday and the winger’s absence will undoubtedly have a massive impact on the Gunners. They have lacked energy and creativity in recent matches without their iconic winger, with the creative burden falling solely on the shoulders of Martin Odegaard.

However, the Norwegian playmaker has been a bit sketchy in recent weeks, struggling to perform to his usual standards. Only Saka has created more chances than Odegaard in the Premier League this season, but the Arsenal captain has only created one chance in his last three matches.

Manuel Ugarte’s main responsibility will be to stifle Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium, and the Uruguayan is starting to stand up under his old ally Amorim. No player has made more tackles than the summer signing at Anfield last Sunday and his combative style will be vital in denying Arsenal’s most creative influence.

Amad Diallo was often the game changer Man United This season. During the Ivorian mediocrity campaign, Who has just signed a new long-term contract with the clubwas often the only shining light for the Red Devils.

Imad once again proved he is the man for the big occasion last weekend, scoring the equalizer against Liverpool after breaking Reds hearts last season in this competition with a thrilling late winner in a 4-3 duel. Arsenal will be wary of his penchant for match-winning moments.

It remains to be seen whether Amad will start at right midfield or at right centre-forward, but Riccardo Calafiore is likely to be his opponent. The Italian is an energetic and feisty defender, and is unlikely to sit at Manchester United’s number 16. This will create an interesting and potentially decisive battle.

Calafiore, who was an unused substitute during the Arsenal match Carabao Cup defeat in midweekcurrently leads the Gunners in successful tackles per 90 in the Premier League. He will have to time his tackles expertly against Manchester United.

Gabriel Jesus embodied the centre-forward’s influence of confidence at the conclusion of 2024. After finding the back of the net just once between February and November, the Brazilian went on to score six goals in four matches, the last of which was the net. New Year’s Day vs Brentford.

The former Manchester City striker has always been a schemer and finds himself in a purple patch at present, something Mikel Arteta should take advantage of on Sunday. He will fancy his chances of adding a single goal against the Red Devils in 14 previous meetings.

Harry Maguire is likely to be the midfielder who will face Jesus directly, with the Manchester United defender sitting in the middle of a back three. He showed tremendous leadership and tenacity at Anfield last weekend to thwart the Premier League’s most powerful attack, even if he then fired a shot over the bar into the dying embers.

Jesus’ tricks and agility should, on paper at least, cause problems for Maguire, but the extra protection afforded to the England international as part of a back three could see him dominate another highly competitive duel.

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