| Manchester United vs Arsenal | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester United vs Arsenal
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
24 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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10.00 PM IST
08.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Emirates Stadium |
Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups & Match Analysis
Match Preview
Recent history repeated itself for Arsenal in their latest Premier League outing, as the Gunners once again failed to fully capitalise on a slip-up from one of their title rivals.
Manchester United’s surprise 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City handed Mikel Arteta’s side the opportunity to establish a commanding nine-point lead at the summit. However, just as in Gameweek 21, Arsenal were unable to find the breakthrough in a frustrating goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Despite that minor setback, defeats for Manchester City and Aston Villa ensured Arsenal still extended their advantage at the top, now sitting seven points clear. More importantly, the North Londoners responded in emphatic fashion in midweek.
Facing an Inter Milan side renowned for defensive resilience, Arsenal delivered one of their finest European performances of the season, claiming a deserved 3-1 victory at the San Siro. That result confirmed their place in the Champions League last 16 with a game to spare.
Back on home soil, Arsenal will again lean on their formidable Emirates Stadium form. The Gunners remain unbeaten in all 16 home matches across competitions this season, winning 14 of those games and never conceding more than one goal in any fixture.
Manchester United Overview
While Arsenal stumbled domestically, Manchester United delivered one of their standout performances of the campaign last weekend.
Under newly reappointed manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils defied the form book and off-field distractions to stun Manchester City at Old Trafford. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed a memorable 2-0 victory — United’s first win in any competition since their narrow Boxing Day triumph over Newcastle United.
That result reignited United’s push for Champions League qualification, with the visitors starting the weekend just one point behind Liverpool in fifth place. Encouragingly, goals have not been an issue for Carrick’s men.
Manchester United have now scored in each of their last 11 matches in all competitions, as well as their last nine away games. Defensive issues remain, however, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any away match during the 2025–26 season — a worrying trend ahead of a trip to North London.
United have also lost five of their last six Premier League meetings with Arsenal, including a narrow 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
Recent Form
Arsenal – Premier League:
W W W W D D
Arsenal – All Competitions:
W D W W D W
Manchester United – Premier League:
L W D D D W
Manchester United – All Competitions:
W D D D L W
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive injury crisis is finally beginning to ease. Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) and Piero Hincapie (thigh) both returned to full training on Friday, although Arteta stopped short of confirming their availability.
Both defenders are expected to be in contention, leaving Max Dowman (ankle) as Arsenal’s only likely absentee.
In attack, Arteta faces a selection dilemma after Gabriel Jesus scored twice against Inter, while Viktor Gyokeres impressed off the bench. Given Gyokeres’ substitute appearance in midweek, the Swedish striker is expected to return to the starting XI on Sunday.
For Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back injury, while Joshua Zirkzee is a doubt after picking up a knock. Africa Cup of Nations runner-up Noussair Mazraoui is expected to return to the squad.
Carrick is unlikely to make wholesale changes following the derby win, meaning Kobbie Mainoo should once again feature alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Fernandes was particularly influential last weekend, creating six chances against Manchester City.
Match Outlook
Arsenal’s dominant home form and defensive solidity make them strong favourites, but Manchester United’s renewed confidence and consistent scoring threat suggest this could be a closely fought encounter.
If the Gunners can maintain their intensity from the Inter Milan victory, they will be well placed to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.