Arsenal XI vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for FA Cup | OneFootball

Injury situation improving for Gunners ahead of blockbuster third-round tie

Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make over his Arsenal team for their FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard should both start in midfield but Arteta faces a dilemma as to who plays alongside them.

Mikel Merino could come into the team or Arteta may elect to go with Jorginho or Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta has been weighing up whether to play Mikel Merino, Jorginho or Thomas Partey in midfield

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

In attack, Arsenal were guilty of wasting chances against Newcastle but Arteta is limited in the options he has available.

Kai Havertz should keep his place as the No9 and Gabriel Jesus may get a rare outing on the right wing.

Goalkeeper Neto could finally make his debut after joining on loan from Bournemouth in the summer.

But Arteta is likely to stick with David Raya and name a strong defence, which could include Riccardo Calafiori after he was rested against Newcastle.

Raheem Sterling is back after a knee injury and Gabriel Martinelli started on Tuesday after being on the bench at Brighton last weekend.

Arsenal will be without Ben White (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee).

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli

Injured: Saka (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Sunday 12 January 2025

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

TV channel and live stream: BBC One

Referee: Andrew Madley

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli, Sterling and Trossard.