Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview: Team news, prediction and line-ups

January 24, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview: Team news, prediction and line-ups

Arsenal put their formidable home record on the line this Sunday as Manchester United arrive at the Emirates Stadium for one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side remain unbeaten on home soil this season and boast the best defensive record in the division at the Emirates, having conceded just five league goals.

With a seven-point cushion over their nearest title challengers, the Gunners are firmly in the driving seat, but recent domestic draws have slightly stalled their momentum. United, meanwhile, travel to north London in buoyant mood.

A morale-boosting derby win over Manchester City last weekend has lifted belief under interim boss Michael Carrick, reigniting their push for a top-four finish.

Arsenal form and selection dilemma

Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, a run strengthened by an emphatic Champions League win away to Inter Milan in midweek.

However, consecutive Premier League draws have raised questions about whether Arteta's men are showing signs of vulnerability at a crucial stage of the season.

One of the key talking points centres on who leads the line.

Gabriel Jesus made a powerful statement in Milan, scoring twice and continuing his sharp resurgence following his return from an ACL injury.

Despite largely being used in cameo roles earlier in the campaign, the Brazilian has rapidly closed the gap on Viktor Gyökeres' goal tally, and in roughly 1,400 fewer minutes across the Premier League and Champions League.

Still, Gyökeres is expected to start, having been more carefully managed in midweek.

Arteta must balance form, fitness and workload in what could be a classic "banana skin" fixture.

Arsenal injury news

The Gunners remain without several players:

Max Dowman - ankle injury
Riccardo Calafiori - muscle injury
Piero Hincapié - fitness concerns

Defensively, Jurrien Timber is expected to operate at left-back, with Ben White at right-back as Arsenal aim to maintain their defensive solidity.

Manchester United riding derby momentum

United's 2-0 win over City showcased the growing tactical discipline and organisation instilled by Carrick.

The Red Devils were compact without the ball and clinical on the counter - a blueprint they are likely to repeat at the Emirates.

Bruno Fernandes remains central to United's attacking structure, tasked with linking transitions and unlocking Arsenal's defence on the break.

Manchester United team news

Carrick could stick with the same XI that delivered in the Manchester derby.

Out: Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt
In: Noussair Mazraoui (Back from international duty but unlikely to start)

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez are poised to continue in central defence, whilst Luke Shaw may again get the nod at left-back.

Alternatives such as Leny Yoro or Ayden Heaven offer youthful options, though experience may be preferred on this stage.

Expected Line-Ups

Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Martinelli; Gyökeres

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Dorgu, Fernandes, Diallo; Mbeumo.

Head-to-head record

Historically, this is one of English football's most storied rivalries:

Arsenal wins: 91
Man United wins: 102
Draws: 51

Arsenal have not lost a home Premier League meeting with United since 2017 and won five of six encounters prior to this season.

However, recent clashes have been tighter, with the Gunners drawing one and losing another on penalties before their narrow victory at Old Trafford earlier this campaign.

Tactical outlook

Arsenal will dominate possession and territory, using width and quick combinations to stretch United's defensive block.

The visitors, however, pose a genuine threat in transition - something Arteta's side have occasionally struggled to contain.

If Jesus features prominently, his movement between the lines could trouble United's centre-backs.

Conversely, Fernandes' creativity and United's pace on the break could exploit any defensive lapses.

Verdict

Arsenal's defensive record at the Emirates and overall consistency make them favourites.

Yet United's renewed confidence and counter-attacking edge suggest this will be far from straightforward.

The Gunners' home strength should ultimately prevail, but Carrick's side look capable of making this a tense and competitive contest.

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