"This is a very difficult tie for them" - Chris Sutton makes score prediction for Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup clash
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Arsenal to secure a narrow win over Manchester United. The two sides are set to lock horns in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 12.
Despite having a poor season, the Red Devils held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a shock 2-2 draw at Anfield over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Gunners will be aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.
Manchester United will be seeking to retain the FA Cup this season. However, Arsenal have knocked out the former seven times in the competition's history - more than any other side. The Gunners have notably been knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup twice over the past three seasons, a statistic Ruben Amorim could take full advantage of.
Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
"Well, Manchester United have cracked it now haven't they, after that draw at Anfield? Some of the flak I have had on social media for predicting that Liverpool would win 5-0 was extraordinary. It seems like the bunting was out because I got a score prediction wrong, although oddly I did not hear from anyone predicting a 2-2 draw before the game."
He added:
"I suppose it shows how far Manchester United have fallen that they are celebrating draws. I remember a time when any dropped points by them was treated as a disaster. They did play well, and there was a lot of excitement about their performance, but quite rightly a lot of people pointed out that now they need to back it up."
"This is a very difficult tie for them to do that. Arsenal have had a bad week and are massively missing Bukayo Saka in the final third, but I don't trust United to get a result at Emirates Stadium yet."
Sutton's Prediction: 1-0
How have Arsenal and Manchester United fared in the Premier League this season?
Arsenal are set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup this Sunday. Let's take a quick look at how both sides have fared this season in the Premier League.
The Gunners hosted Amorim and Co. in the league at the Emirates Stadium (December 4) where the former sealed a 2-0 win via goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Arsenal are currently battling for the title and are in second place in the table with 40 points from 20 games, six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. They are above third-placed Nottingham Forest on goal difference and next face Tottenham Hotspur at home in the league on Wednesday, January 15.
On the other hand, Manchester United are languishing in 13th place with 23 points from 20 games, 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. They next face Southampton at Old Trafford on Thursday, January 16.
