Bidding to qualify for the fourth round of the FA Cup, Arsenal welcome holders Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners have blown cold in recent games; drawing 1-1 with Brighton in the Premier League followed by a first leg Carabao Cup semi-final 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at home. This has affected the team’s morale and confidence heading into the mouthwatering cup tie.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, ended their four-game losing run with a credible 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League. It was their best performance under Ruben Amorim, one that would give the players a lot of belief as they look to retain the FA Cup.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the three key battles on the pitch.
#Martin Odegaard vs Manuel Ugarte
Martin Odegaard had a quiet night in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday. The Gunners’ skipper would be keen to put behind that night and focus on the task on hand against Man United.
The Norwegian is the creative glue of Mikel Arteta’s side, making everyone around him tick. If Odegaard gets time and space on the ball in the middle of the park, he could wreak havoc against Man United. That is why Amorim’s side will need a strong performance from Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
The Uruguayan international produced his best performance in a United shirt against Liverpool, constantly breaking their attacks and recycling possession. If the visitors aspire to stop Odegaard from making an impact, Ugarte has to bring his A-game to the pitch in north London.
#Amad Diallo vs Gabriel Magalhaes
Amad Diallo has been the biggest beneficiary at United following Amorim’s appointment. Having been in and out of the team under Erik ten Hag, the 22-year-old has blossom into a key attacking force for Amorim’s side. With crucial away strikes against Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League, the Ivorian should pose the biggest threat from the visitors.
This implies that Gabriel Magalhaes will have his task cut out on Sunday. The Brazilian has been a rock at the back for Arsenal this season, and he along with his partner-in-crime William Saliba will have to be on their toes to stop Diallo from getting into dangerous positions.
At the other end of the pitch, Gabriel will offer a huge threat from corners and set-pieces having netted four goals in all competitions this season. So, United defenders must sort out their defensive organisation to stop the Gunners’ defender from getting at the end of set-plays.
#Declan Rice vs Bruno Fernandes
Declan Rice’s form for Arsenal has been up and down this season, yet he remains one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet.
If Arteta decides to start Thomas Partey as a No.6, Rice would get license to venture forward, create chances and join in the attacks more. However, as a box-to-box midfielder, the England international will also require to keep tabs on United skipper Bruno Fernandes, who produced a Man of the Match display at Anfield last weekend.
Often slammed by the media and pundits for his petulance and moaning at referees, the calm and composed performance at the hostile Anfield was so unlike Fernandes. This showed there is a different layer to the Portuguese’s game as well, and if he can produce something similar at the Emirates Stadium, United’s chances of progressing to the FA Cup fourth round will only get higher.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
