Arsenal vs Manchester United: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Injuries & Tactical Preview

When Arsenal and Manchester United meet, football doesn’t just stop — it holds its breath. This is not just another Premier League fixture. It’s history, pride, pressure, and passion packed into 90 minutes.

As Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal welcome Michael Carrick’s resurgent Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium, the stakes could not be higher. With the Premier League title race heating up and Champions League qualification on the line, this clash promises drama, tactics, and defining moments.

In this detailed guide, we break down team news, injuries, predicted lineups, and a tactical preview, while also helping fans understand how and why this match could unfold the way it does.

Match Details at a Glance

• 🕒 Kick-off: 4:30 PM GMT

• 📅 Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026

• 🏟 Venue: Emirates Stadium

• 📺 How to Watch: Sky Sports

• 🏆 Competition: Premier League

Why This Arsenal vs Manchester United Match Matters

This fixture has shaped English football for decades. From Thierry Henry silencing Old Trafford to Wayne Rooney announcing himself to the world, this rivalry has always delivered unforgettable moments.

Fast forward to today, and the narrative is just as compelling.

• Arsenal sit seven points clear at the top of the table

• Manchester United are fighting for a Champions League spot

• Both teams come in with confidence — but also pressure

Simply put, this match could define the season for both clubs.

Arsenal Team News & Injury Update

The good news for Arsenal fans is that injuries are finally easing.

Confirmed Absentees

• Max Dowman (ankle injury)

Doubts / Late Fitness Tests

• Riccardo Calafiori – muscle issue

• Piero Hincapié – thigh issue

Both defenders returned to full training, but Arteta has kept his cards close to his chest.

“We will make a late decision,” Arteta said — a classic move from a manager who enjoys tactical mystery.

What This Means

Even if Calafiori and Hincapié are available, Arsenal are unlikely to rush them back. With fixtures piling up, squad management becomes key — something Arteta has learned the hard way in previous title races.

Manchester United Team News & Injury Update

United arrive with momentum after a stunning 2–0 Manchester derby win over Manchester City.

Unavailable

• Matthijs de Ligt – back injury

Doubts

• Joshua Zirkzee – knock (unlikely starter)

Boost

• Noussair Mazraoui returns after AFCON duty

Carrick is expected to reward loyalty, meaning minimal changes from last weekend’s winning XI.

Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3)

GK: David Raya
RB: Ben White
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhães
LB: Jurrien Timber
CM: Martín Zubimendi
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Ødegaard
RW: Bukayo Saka
ST: Viktor Gyökeres
LW: Gabriel Martinelli

👉 Why this works:
This lineup blends control, pace, and physicality. Timber’s flexibility, Rice’s leadership, and Ødegaard’s creativity give Arsenal balance in all phases.

Predicted Manchester United Lineup (4-2-3-1)

GK: Lammens
RB: Diogo Dalot
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Lisandro Martínez
LB: Luke Shaw
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
CM: Casemiro
RW: Amad Diallo
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Patrick Dorgu
ST: Bryan Mbeumo

👉 Why this works:
United will rely on transition football, pressing Arsenal when they lose shape and attacking quickly through Fernandes and Mbeumo.

Key Tactical Battles to Watch

1. Ødegaard vs Bruno Fernandes

Two creators. Two leaders. One midfield battlefield. Whoever controls tempo likely controls the match.

2. Saka vs Luke Shaw

This duel could decide the game. Saka’s pace and dribbling against Shaw’s experience is must-watch football.

3. Rice vs United’s Counter-Attack

Rice’s positioning will be crucial in stopping United’s quick breaks — especially after turnovers.

Step-by-Step: How Arsenal Can Win This Match

1. Dominate possession early to set tempo

2. Exploit wide areas through Saka and Martinelli

3. Press United’s midfield to isolate Fernandes

4. Target set pieces, where Gabriel and Saliba excel

5. Stay patient — United will sit deep at times

This structured approach has worked all season at the Emirates.

Why the Emirates Stadium Is Arsenal’s Secret Weapon

Arsenal are unbeaten at home this season.

Fourteen wins.
Sixteen games.
Maximum one goal conceded per match.

The crowd, the pitch, the confidence — it all adds up. Visiting teams feel it. United will too.

Match Prediction

Arsenal 2–0 Manchester United

Arsenal’s defensive stability, combined with their attacking depth, gives them the edge. United may fight bravely, but sustaining pressure at the Emirates is a different challenge altogether.

Why You Should Watch (or Buy) This Match with Confidence

If you’re thinking about:

• Buying official match tickets

• Subscribing to Sky Sports

• Or simply investing your time in a high-quality football spectacle

This is the game to do it.

You’re not just watching a match — you’re watching a title charge collide with a revival story. Few fixtures offer this level of drama, narrative, and tactical depth.

SportInsiderly Thoughts

Arsenal vs Manchester United is more than football. It’s memory, rivalry, and momentum rolled into one iconic Premier League afternoon.

Whether you’re a fan, a neutral, or someone looking for the perfect matchday experience — this is unmissable.

Stay tuned with SportInsiderly for match updates, post-game analysis, and smarter football coverage — because every detail matters.

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