Mikel Arteta drops key Arsenal duo as new Bukayo Saka replacement chosen vs Man United

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Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal team to take on Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, with a huge game on his hands.

The Gunners are facing pressure to lift some silverware this season, with the challenge of taking on the current holders of the competition.

There were some doubts over the Arsenal side that Mikel Arteta would pick for the tie as the balance between strength and rotation has to be found.

The manager has now named his side, answering some of those questions over the team that was up for debate as Arsenal face Manchester United.

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Arsenal team news vs Manchester United

Arsenal had a few injury issues heading into the match, with some fitness concerns to deal with along the way as well.

Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all absent through long-term issues that won’t see them involved for a while.

There have been some returns as of late, most notably for Raheem Sterling, who has returned to feature on the right.

When it came to the team news, Mikel Arteta named a strong side, but did bench midfield duo Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.

There was no place for Sterling or Leandro Trossard in the frontline, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli the preferred forward options – with Jesus featuring as a replacement for Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

Myles Lewis-Skelly represents the Arsenal academy in the team, while youngster Nathan Butler-Oyedeji also features on the bench from the youth ranks.

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Manchester United team news vs Arsenal

Ruben Amorim faced a similar dilemma to Arteta when choosing his Manchester United side to take on Arsenal.

Arsenal transfer target Marcus Rashford isn’t involved, though there is a start for Altay Bayandir in goal, while Alejandro Garnacho returns to the team too.

It’s just two changes for United from their last match, who have a relatively strong bench to call upon if needed during the game.

Former transfer target Joshua Zirkzee features on the bench alongside ex-Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen.

Amad Diallo is a surprise exclusion following his impressive performances and recent contract rewnewal.