So, there's a lot ahead for Sunday's match at the Emirates Stadium, and that's even before we get to the managers.
Mikel Arteta has done a fine job at Arsenal, turning the Gunners back into title contenders during his five years in charge. However, for all their improvement, the bottom line is that they have only won one trophy – the 2020 FA Cup.
Given that it was the middle of the Covid pandemic and the match was played behind closed doors, Arteta has yet to enjoy the sensation of displaying the trophy (assuming we're discounting the Community Shield) in front of the club's supporters.
Let's make it our own 👊 pic.twitter.com/lyNGCoDTBl
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025
Likewise for Ruben Amorim, the cup has extra significance this season.
United raised its score to 23 points in the league and is 13 points behind Chelsea, who is in fourth place.
A tilt towards Champions League qualification is arguably not a good start, so realistic goals between now and May are to finish mid-table and succeed in the knockout competitions.
The Europa League provides an opportunity, as does the FA Cup.
United are the defending champions after their final victory over Manchester City last season, and Amorim says they will take a strong team to north London.
He said: I see what everyone sees. It's a really old rivalry with a lot of history.
“I remember seeing a few finals, including when we won the treble in 1999.
“We have won some cups and we want to continue. At this stage we already have a really strong game and we want to win it and we want to improve the image and performance.
“We are in a difficult moment. We are improving, and we will field the best team to try to win. I will choose the best team to win. We want to win the cup.”
Team news
Arsenal are still without Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaniri while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are long-term absentees.
The good news for Arteta is the fact that Raheem Sterling is fit again while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard both started in the midweek EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle after overcoming illness.
Amorim confirmed on Friday that reserve goalkeeper Altay Bedner will start in place of Andre Onana.
Marcus Rashford is back after illness, but the best the striker can expect is a place on the bench.
Expected formations
arsenal: bar; Timber, Saliba, Gabriele, Calafiore; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli
Manchester United: Binder; Euro, Maguire, De Ligt; Al Mazroui, Maino, Ugarte, Dalot; Imad, Fernandez; Hoglund
