Martin Odegaard highlights something to Arsenal fans he’s never seen before in unique fixture schedule

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal head into their FA Cup third round tie against rivals Manchester United knowing that nothing less than a victory will appease supporters following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last time out.

Arsenal will be wearing a white kit against Manchester United as part of the club’s ‘No More Red’ campaign that supports the tackling of knife crime and youth violence.

The referee for Arsenal v Manchester United will have to make do without the use of VAR, which will not be in operation in the competition until the fifth round. Mikel Arteta is also aware that there will be a different ball for the Manchester United FA Cup clash, following complaints about the Carabao Cup ball.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been rallying supporters and his team mates ahead of what is a rather peculiar run of fixtures that the Gunners have coming up.

READ MORE: When is the FA Cup fourth round draw? Everything you need to know with Arsenal ball number and more

Martin Odegaard highlights importance of Arsenal staying in four competitions

Speaking in his programme notes ahead of the FA Cup tie against Manchester United, captain Odegaard has highlighted a unique aspect of Arsenal’s busy upcoming fixture list.

Odegaard stated: “This is the second of five home games in a row for us, in four different competitions. I’m not sure if it’s happened before, but after Tuesday’s result, we really want to make the most of these next two weeks.”

The Arsenal skipper then went on to explain how he hopes that being at the Emirates Stadium in those four different competitions will help the side to achieve the success they are striving for this season.

He stated: “We have spoken about it, we know what we want to achieve in this run, we are still in all four competitions so let’s go & do it. At this time of year, we play so many games, lots of midweek games too, so it’s a big help to have them at home.”

Martin Odegaard eager to continue Arsenal’s proud FA Cup tradition

In his pre-match programme notes, Odegaard has also been alluding to the disappointment Arsenal have faced in recent years in the FA Cup- a competition they have won a record 14 times.

Odegaard stated: “We have been really annoyed with how we’ve gone out of the FA Cup early in the past few years, because it’s always a big target for us at the start of every season. I know Arsenal holds the record for most wins in this tournament, so it’s about time we had another good run.”

Arsenal are desperate for some silverware this season to mark their progression as a team over recent years and Odegaard is targeting the FA Cup as a potential opportunity.

Odegaard stated: “We have a proud tradition of success in this competition at Arsenal, a lot of history, and we want to add to it. We really want to do that this season.”

Manchester United are without Andre Onana for the game and boss Arteta will be hoping his side can repeat their 2-0 Premier League victory over the Red Devils.