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The early rounds of the FA Cup can be a time when teams rotate, as their opponents may be a division or two lower in the competition pyramid. But that won’t be the case as Arsenal host Manchester United on Sunday. Both teams will want to make deep runs in the tournament, but they won’t be able to do that against each other, meaning they’ll have to play close to their starting lineups to try.
Given the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United coach needs the win more than the Gunners as it may be their only route to a European spot next season, but with Arsenal being heavy favourites, a win will be difficult to come by.
Here are the best bets for this clash:
Gabriel Jesus scores (+195)
After coming off the bench in the EFL Cup against Newcastle, Gabriel Jesus is enjoying his best form since joining Arsenal with six goals in his last six games. Jesus may not have scored coming off the bench, but that won’t stop him from getting past a Manchester side he knows well. The defense has improved under Amorim, but without Saka, Jesus has functioned well as the focal point of the Arsenal attack.
Result first half: draw (+120)
Both teams are better in the second half of games and rotation in cups can lead to slow starts. Even if a goal is scored in the first half, there is a good chance that this goal will be canceled out in an open match. If 50% of Manchester United’s games are even at halftime, I’ll bite the bullet.
Amad Diallo 1+ shots on target (-120)
After signing a new contract and scoring against Liverpool, Amad Diallo is coming into his own for the Red Devils this season. Although Arsenal’s defense is quite solid, that doesn’t stop Diallo from getting the chance to test the goalkeeper throughout the match. After starting as a winger under Amorim, Diallo has returned to the attacking position and is flourishing in it. He is able to beat his defender with the dribble and gets into space. This is a number that can be increased.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday January 12 | Time: 10am ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium – London, England
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Chances: Arsenal -140; Sign +260; Manchester United +360