Arsenal vs Man Utd: Preview and Betting Tips | FA Cup 2025

Match: Arsenal vs Man Utd
When: Sunday, 12 Jan 2025, 17:00 SAST
Where: Emirates Stadium

The Gunners saw a 13-match unbeaten run ended in midweek. The Red Devils have lost six of their last nine fixtures and have not lifted the FA Cup since 2016.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners have had a mixed time of late. They drew 1-1 at Fulham and played out a 0-0 stalemate at home with Everton. Successive wins against Crystal Palace followed, 3-2 in the Carabao Cup and 5-1 at Selhurst Park in the league.

A fine 3-1 win at Brentford and a 1-0 home win over Ipswich made it four straight wins. Last weekend, Arsenal missed four big chances in a 1-1 draw at Brighton having led 1-0. On Wednesday, they lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. They outshot their opponents 23-7 and had 3.22 xG in that defeat.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta has four injuries ahead of this match. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain absent to limit defensive options. Bukayo Saka is out long-term on the wing but Raheem Sterling is back to boost attacking depth.

Ethan Nwaneri is another absentee with a muscle injury. Arsenal could rotate their side with Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino all pushing for recalls.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners are taking the cup competitions seriously and will play to win. They will attack a vulnerable Man Utd back three.

With just three days until they host Tottenham in the North London derby, one eye may be on that fixture.

Man Utd Form

United are in dire form under Ruben Amorim. After a three-match unbeaten start (DWW), the next nine matches have seen six defeats and just two wins. Successive league defeats – 2-0 at Arsenal and 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest – was followed by a shock 2-1 win at Man City in the derby. Four straight defeats followed that surprise win.

Man Utd lost 4-3 at Tottenham and 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in humiliating fashion. A 2-0 loss away at Wolves and a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle followed. With a full week to train, they looked better in a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Whilst they performed well, they allowed 2.82 xG to the Reds.

Man Utd Team News

Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are ruled out for United. Victor Lindelof is a major doubt but Marcus Rashford should be available after overcoming illness, although he is unlikely to play any part for other reasons.

It could be an unchanged XI from the draw at Anfield. Rasmus Hojlund is set to play up front in preference to Joshua Zirkzee. Alejandro Garnacho may again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Man Utd Motivation

Amorim’s side desperately needs to build some momentum. They will be fully focused and motivated to win at the Emirates as their big-game performances are usually strong.

With a home game against Southampton in midweek, they won’t be distracted and they’ve again had a full week to nail down their tactical plan.

Key Stats

Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 14 matches (9 wins, 4 draws)

Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 17 home matches (5 clean sheets in the last 7)

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus has scored 6 goals in his last 6 matches

Man Utd have lost 6 of their last 9 matches (3 blanks fired in the last 4)

Man Utd have lost their last 4 clashes with Arsenal

Verdict

United are always capable in these big matches. Another improved performance is expected but Arsenal may have too much with set-pieces expected to be key.

Best Bet: Arsenal to win at 1.71

Value Bet: Arsenal to win to zero at 2.95
Goalscorer Tip: Gabriel Jesus to score anytime at 2.65
Risky Goalscorer Tip: Gabriel Magalhaes to score anytime at 7.00