Do you smell it? That is the magic of the FA Cup and a third-round meeting between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Historically, this is a weekend of untold possibilities with numerous ‘giant-killing’ moments as minnows from the lower leagues try their hand at toppling some of the finest in the game.
But Sunday offers an entirely different proposition, as the undeniable Premier League rivalry presents its latest episode.
Domestically, there has been little to compare between the fortunes of Ruben Amorim’s men and Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad.
The Gunners sit second in the table behind Liverpool, a position they occupied at season-end for the previous two campaigns. In contrast, the Old Trafford giants sit in the unfamiliar surroundings of 13th, a staggering 17 points behind their London opposition.
But cup football is a peculiar beast, and a truly impressive Anfield showing has highlighted the growth of this Manchester side under their Portuguese tactician, with many feeling his travelling contingent will have ample ammunition to tackle this North London crowd.
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Preparation has been key ahead of Sunday’s 15:00 GMT kick-off, with Amorim hoping to reverse the 2-0 result suffered on his previous visit to the Emirates Stadium last month.
Speaking ahead of the game, the former Sporting chief has confirmed that Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir will replace Andre Onana, a similar trend to the 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs.
“I don’t rotate because I want to rotate,” he told media.
“I’m trying to find the best solutions to win the game. I put the guys in who are more fresh to cope with the demands of the game. The goalkeeper position is different, so it’s a good question. Altay will play.”
Interestingly, the 39-year-old has confirmed that Marcus Rashford will be available for selection. The Wythenshawe man has not taken to a competitive field since his 56-minute showing against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are all ruled out as they continue their rehabilitation from injuries.
Arsenal will continue without the services of Bukayo Saka, who is ruled out with a thigh issue, while Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined.
Former Manchester City and Liverpool man Raheem Sterling is available following a period of absence through illness.
The fixture sits behind Liverpool and Everton (19) as the most played in the competition (15), although this is the first third-round draw between the sides.
Despite league form, history is on the side of Manchester United. The Reds have eliminated Arsenal eight times from the FA Cup, more than any other side.
Furthermore, United won three of the previous four meetings in the competition, including a 3-1 London victory in the last encounter in 2019. Arteta’s side has endured elimination at this stage on two of the previous three attempts.
How do you see this great rivalry playing out in North London?
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