Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Sunday in a fixture that could prove pivotal to the Premier League title race. The Gunners sit seven points clear at the summit and will be desperate to stretch that advantage over rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa.
United arrive buoyed by a timely lift in confidence - a resounding 2-0 win over local rivals Manchester City last weekend in Michael Carrick’s first match as interim head coach - their first victory since Boxing Day.
The Red Devils also have plenty to play for themselves in the Premier League: European qualification remains the prize, with United currently occupying fifth spot and sitting just one point adrift of rivals Liverpool in fourth.
With plenty at stake for both sides, the stage is set for a tantalising affair. Mikel Arteta’s men are unbeaten in all 16 home league matches this season, while United have scored in each of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Expect a high-tempo encounter as Arsenal aim to protect their lead and United hunt the result that boost their continental hopes - but who will impose themselves on the night?
Arsenal
The Gunners’ defensive injury crisis looks to be easing, after Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie returned to first-team training on Friday and could be available on Sunday.
Max Dowman is the only expected absentee for Arsenal as he continues to recover from an ankle problem.
Gabriel Jesus’s midweek brace against Inter provides Arteta with a selection dilemma up-front. Viktor Gyökeres has typically started in the Premier League, but Jesus will push for a recall.
Manchester United
Carrick will still be without defender Matthijs de Ligt, who remains sidelined with a back injury, while Joshua Zirkzee is touch-and-go after missing last weekend's Manchester derby with a knock.
Africa Cup of Nations runner-up Noussair Mazraoui should be available again at full-back, providing a welcome option in defence for the visitors.
Following last weekend's result few changes are expected from Carrick, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to start back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Likely lineups
Arsenal
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Manchester United
Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.
Key Players
Arsenal - Declan Rice
The midfield battle could be decisive on Sunday and Declan Rice is the midfield engine who allows Arsenal to control matches: he shields the defence, snuffs out danger, and then carries the ball forward in a way that turns defence into attack with minimal fuss.
Beyond his defensive work, Rice sets the team’s tempo - his calm on the ball and intelligent positioning allow Arteta's side to press higher and commit attackers with confidence, because he provides a reliable safety net behind them. He’s also developed into a genuine match-winner at times this season, offering goals from distance and set-piece threat in key moments.
Manchester United - Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes remains United’s go-to creator and the man most likely to produce the moment that decides a game: he pulls the strings between midfield and attack, finds teammates in dangerous areas and can turn a tight contest with a single piece of ingenuity.
That influence was obvious in United’s recent derby success, when he set up Bryan Mbuemo's opener. Carrick’s simplified setup gives Fernandes the freedom to do what he does best, create chances and drive the team forward, in his preferred number 10 role.
The Portuguese playmaker has already registered 14 goal contributions, five goals and nine assists, in 19 Premier League games this season, and will no doubt continue to be a crucial player for the Reds throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the home of the Gunners, the Emirates Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
The game will begin at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, 25th January 2026.
How can I watch?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.