Arsenal Starting XI vs Manchester United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester United as Arteta weighs late calls

Arsenal head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United knowing that selection, not sentiment, will shape the afternoon. Fresh from a confidence-boosting European win in midweek, Mikel Arteta is expected to restore several senior figures to his starting XI, while managing fitness carefully in a squad that is beginning to feel the demands of the season.

Photo: IMAGO

Arteta managing fitness before key fixture

Arteta confirmed this week that he will make late calls on the involvement of several players, though the overall picture is encouraging. Should all go to plan, only Max Dowman is expected to miss out, leaving Arsenal close to full strength for the visit of Manchester United.

Riccardo Calafiori has been sidelined for around a month and, even if declared fit, is unlikely to be rushed straight back into the starting lineup. In his absence, Jurrien Timber has impressed at left-back, offering control in possession and defensive reliability, making him a strong candidate to retain his place.

The broader theme is caution rather than urgency. Arsenal’s medical team and coaching staff are keen to avoid setbacks, particularly with a busy run of fixtures looming. That measured approach has been a hallmark of Arteta’s tenure and is again shaping his selection process.

Midfield and defence set for rotation

One of the clearest indicators of Arsenal’s intentions comes from the midweek win over Inter Milan, when Gabriel, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were all left out of the starting XI. That decision now looks like a calculated rotation rather than a shift in hierarchy, with all three expected to return for the weekend.

Rice’s presence will be key against a United midfield that blends experience with emerging talent, while Odegaard’s creativity between the lines remains central to Arsenal’s attacking structure. Gabriel’s return at centre-back is also significant, particularly given the aerial and physical demands posed by United’s forward options.

Arteta has shown repeatedly that he is prepared to rotate when necessary, but his strongest side is usually reserved for league fixtures of this magnitude. The expectation is that Arsenal will look far more familiar on Sunday than they did in Europe.

Attacking choices shaping Arsenal approach

Further forward, the spotlight is again on Viktor Gyokeres. Arteta has continued to back the striker in recent weeks, determined to give him the platform to build confidence and rhythm. That faith is unlikely to waver now, and another start would underline the manager’s belief in his long-term value to the team.

The more nuanced decision comes on the left wing. Leandro Trossard has been consistently productive this season, offering intelligence and end product, while Gabriel Martinelli provided a sharp reminder of his explosiveness with a lively cameo against Inter. Arteta must decide whether to reward form or lean into impact, a choice that could influence how Arsenal stretch United’s defence.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, arrives buoyed by a brace in midweek, adding another layer of competition in the final third and giving Arteta flexibility in how he structures his front line.

Predicted Arsenal XI and match details

There is also cautious optimism surrounding Kai Havertz. Arteta confirmed the forward is “very close” to a return after a prolonged absence, though his reintegration will be gradual. The manager stressed the importance of managing minutes carefully, acknowledging both the length of the layoff and Arsenal’s need to use Havertz intelligently across multiple positions.

All signs point, however, to a largely settled side for Sunday’s contest. The predicted lineup reflects Arteta’s preference for control, technical quality and balance across the pitch.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Injured: Dowman.Doubts: Calafiori, Hincapie.

The match takes place at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal, with kickoff scheduled for 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Arsenal host Manchester United in a fixture that could carry significant implications at the top end of the Premier League table. Coverage will be live on Sky Sports.