Predicted Arsenal XI vs Man United – Raheem Sterling decision made and one player makes his debut

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Arsenal begin their FA Cup campaign of 2025 with a game against Manchester United at the Emirates.

The Gunners have won the FA Cup on 14 different occasions – more than any other club in the country. They are the kings of the competition and Mikel Arteta would love to win it again.

The first test is against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, who have looked a lot better recently. They were arguably the better side against Liverpool in their 2-2 draw last weekend.

Arsenal will have to perform much better than they did in their last game – the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle. We expect Arteta to name a very strong lineup.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Manchester United

Arsenal have already faced Manchester United in the Premier League this season.

Jurrien Timber scored the opener that evening before William Saliba doubled the Gunners’ lead and sealed the game for Arteta’s side.

On Sunday, we expect a few changes from that lineup.

We think Neto will start ahead of David Raya in goal. The Brazilian hasn’t played a game since joining Arsenal on loan in the summer. He is likely to get his debut on Sunday.

In front of him, we think Arteta will go with a back four of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori. That is arguably Arsenal’s strongest defence.

In midfield, we expect Arteta to stick with Thomas Partey at the base and Declan Rice playing slightly ahead of him. Skipper Martin Odegaard is set to start in his usual attacking midfield role.

Gabriel Martinelli is expected to keep his place on the left flank in attack and we think Kai Havertz will continue down the middle despite Gabriel Jesus playing well.

On the right, we think Raheem Sterling will get his chance from the start, and he needs to deliver.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Manchester United: Neto, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Sterling

Raheem Sterling’s record vs Manchester United

Sterling has played for Manchester United’s two biggest rivals – Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Englishman has the experience of facing the Red Devils on multiple occasions in the past, and Arsenal fans are desperate to see him start and do well.

We really think Sterling will start, but his record against Manchester United is not great at all.

Sterling has never scored a goal against United over the years and has lost more games than he has won against them. That is a terrible record.

However, we think the 30-year-old can have a real impact on the right flank on Sunday. He can combine with Odegaard there and will also have the support of Timber.

We think this is the perfect game for Sterling to shine in Arsenal’s colours.