Arsenal are set to welcome rivals Manchester United once again to the Emirates Stadium this time in the FA Cup Third Round.
Arsenal will be confident they can repeat their 2-0 victory over United in the Premier League earlier this season with goals coming from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Manchester United could not handle Arsenal’s set piece routines that night with Declan Rice revealing the secret behind Arsenal’s success. The Red Devils defence looked all over the place and in truth, Arsenal should have scored more.
Mikel Arteta was even compared to Tony Pulis following the corner kick bombardment in the game and it seems that Ruben Amorim is wary of that aerial threat once again.
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Ruben Amorim confirms Altay Bayindir will start in goal against Arsenal
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal, Ruben Amorim has confirmed the surprise decision to drop goalkeeper Andre Onana for the game.
Amorim stated: “He is going to play, Altay. He is going to play.”
The Turkish goalkeeper has played just three teams for United this season and has conceded six goals in those games.
When pressed further on any other changes in selection, Amorim explained that rotation in his team selection’s is still down to him getting to know his players.
Amorim explained: “I think we rotated more in that part when we were trying to find out what kind of players we have. Players have returned from injury and now we are rotating less.
“Now we have had time to train a little bit more, I expect my team to understand a little bit better, the game. I don’t rotate because I want to rotate; I am not different from other coaches.”
Arsenal and Manchester United FA Cup team news
Further to the news that Bayindir will replace Onana, Man United are also missing trio Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw to long term injuries.
It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford will feature, especially after Arsenal have made contact with Rashford over a possible January transfer switch.
As for the Gunners, Arteta will be relieved to have had returns for Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling this week however, Ethan Nwaneri is out for a couple of weeks.
Mikel Arteta will be once again hoping that his side can exploit the Red Devils weakness of set pieces and with an inexperienced goalkeeper within the sticks, it seems Arsenal’s chances may just have increased before the game has even begun.
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