Arsenal vs Manchester Utd Prediction: 12/1/2025

Arsenal holds second place in the Premier League standings, trailing Liverpool by six points with a game in hand. Although reclaiming the league title, last won in 2004, may prove difficult, the Gunners are in a strong position to secure a Champions League spot for next season.

Unbeaten in their last ten league matches, Arsenal has achieved six wins and four draws. Recent triumphs against Crystal Palace (5-1), Ipswich (1-0), and Brentford (3-1) showcased their form, though they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton. Earlier this week, they faced a setback, losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg. In the Champions League, Arsenal is third in their group and in a solid position to progress directly to the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, defending FA Cup champions Manchester United aim to retain the trophy despite a disappointing Premier League season. Currently sitting 13th in the table, the Red Devils have fallen short of expectations and are far from securing a European qualification spot. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, their struggles continue, with no wins in their last four league games. This run includes heavy defeats to Bournemouth (3-0), Wolverhampton (2-0), and Newcastle (2-0), followed by a morale-boosting 2-2 draw against league leaders Liverpool. In the Europa League, United occupies seventh place and is fighting for direct qualification to the Round of 16.

Arsenal will be without key winger Bukayo Saka, along with defender Ben White, backup Tomiyasu, and young prospect Ethan Nwaneri, who remain sidelined. Manager Mikel Arteta fielded a full-strength side in the League Cup semi-final, and it remains to be seen if he will rotate his squad for this FA Cup match. Gabriel Jesus, in fine form with six goals in his last six games, may start ahead of Leandro Trossard. The attacking lineup is expected to feature Martinelli (5 goals, 2 assists) and Havertz (7 goals, 2 assists).

Manchester United also faces injury challenges, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Mason Mount unavailable. Striker Marcus Rashford appears to have fallen out of favor under Amorim. The team will rely on captain Bruno Fernandes (4 goals, 6 assists) and emerging talent Amad Diallo (3 goals, 6 assists) to drive their attack. Up front, Zirkzee (3 goals) and Højlund (2 goals) are vying for a starting role, though neither has been particularly convincing this season.

Prediction

Manchester United’s struggles on the road, with six losses in their last eight away games and 16 goals conceded, place them at a disadvantage against an in-form Arsenal. The Gunners have been prolific, scoring 20 goals and collecting 18 points in their last seven league matches. Arsenal’s attacking momentum and United’s defensive frailties suggest a commanding performance from the home team.

Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Manchester United.