Get ready for a Premier League showdown that promises fireworks! Arsenal vs. Manchester United is always a clash of titans, but this time, the team selections are sparking even more debate. With just hours to go, Mikel Arteta’s lineup choices are under the microscope, and here’s the lowdown on what to expect—plus a few surprises that might just divide opinions.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While Arsenal’s training session on Saturday will finalize the squad, one thing is clear: Max Dowman remains the only confirmed absentee. The bigger question mark? Calafiori’s return after a month-long absence. Even if he’s match-fit, don’t expect him to slot straight into the starting XI. Instead, Jurrien Timber could keep his spot at left-back, a decision that’s already raising eyebrows among fans.
And this is the part most people miss... Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard—key players rested against Inter Milan midweek—are set to reclaim their positions. But it’s Gabriel Jesus’s brace in that very match that’s got everyone talking. Will Arteta stick with Gyokeres, who’s been given ample chances to shine, or will Jesus’s form demand a starting role? It’s a tactical dilemma that could define the game.
The left wing is another headache for Arteta. Leandro Trossard has been a standout performer this season, but Gabriel Martinelli’s electric cameo against Inter Milan has fans clamoring for his inclusion. Who gets the nod? It’s a decision that could split the fanbase right down the middle.
Here’s how Arsenal’s predicted XI (4-3-3) might line up: Raya in goal; White, Saliba, Gabriel, and Timber in defense; Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard in midfield; and Saka, Gyokeres, and Martinelli up front. But with Calafiori and Hincapie still carrying doubts, last-minute changes aren’t off the table.
Now, here’s the burning question: Is Arteta’s faith in Gyokeres justified, or should Jesus’s recent heroics earn him a start? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to heat up faster than the Emirates Stadium pitch on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM GMT. Catch all the action live on Sky Sports and join the conversation!
