The early rounds of the FA Cup can be a time when teams rotate, as their opposition may be a division or two below them in the league 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 head to head they won’t be able to, meaning they’ll have to play close to their starting lineup to have a chance.
Given the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United manager needs the win more than the Gunners as it could be their only route to a European place next season, but with Arsenal being the hot favourites, a victory will be difficult to achieve.
Here are the best bets for this matchup:
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 overtaking a Manchester team he knows very well. The defense has improved under Amorim, but without Saka, Jesus has functioned well as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack.
First half result: draw (+120)
Both of these teams are better in the second half of matches and rotation in cups can lead to slow starts. Even if there is a goal in the first half, it is likely to be ruled out in what will be an open game. When 50% of Manchester United’s games are tied at half-time, I’ll bite into more money.
Amad Diallo 1+ shots on target (-120)
Freshly signed a new contract and scored against Liverpool, Amad Diallo is establishing himself this season for the Red Devils. If Arsenal’s defense is strong enough, that won’t stop Diallo from having the opportunity to test the goalkeeper during the match. After starting as a winger under Amorim, Diallo returned to the attacking position and flourished there. Able to beat his defender on the dribble, he will put himself in space and this is a scalable figure.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday January 12 | Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- Live broadcast: ESPN+
- Odds: Arsenal-140; Draw +260; Manchester United +360
