The standout fixture of the FA Cup weekend sees the competition’s two most successful clubs go head-to-head in north London on Sunday.

Holders Manchester United face a challenging start to their title defence, having lifted the trophy with a memorable victory over Manchester City at Wembley last year.

After a poor start, Amorim earned a morale-boosting 2-2 draw at Liverpool last Sunday, his first extended chance to work with the squad. With another week of uninterrupted preparation, United could arrive at the Emirates in improved form.

Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle on Tuesday.

The Magpies stifled the Gunners with Eddie Howe’s defensive masterclass, deploying a deep block that Mikel Arteta’s side failed to overcome. Amorim, known for tactical adaptability, may adopt a similar approach.

Team News
Arteta is expected to make several changes from the midweek loss. Riccardo Calafiori, Jorginho, and Gabriel Jesus could return to the starting lineup, while Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, and Bukayo Saka remain sidelined due to injuries.

This will mark the 16th FA Cup meeting between these historic rivals. Arsenal triumphed in their famous 1979 and 2005 finals, while United have eliminated the Gunners from the competition a record eight times.

Arsenal are the FA Cup’s most decorated side with 14 titles, one more than United, who lifted the trophy last season. Ultimately Arteta’s Arsenal have stumbled in this competition recently, exiting at the third round in two of the last three seasons.

Arsenal’s struggles in attack have been glaring in recent outings, with the Gunners lacking a clinical edge against Brighton and Newcastle despite generating plenty of opportunities.

Amorim, renowned for his counter-attacking style at Sporting CP, could employ a similar game plan to frustrate Arsenal and strike on the break.

United showed significant improvement in the space of a week between their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle and the draw at Anfield, suggesting Amorim’s influence is beginning to take hold.

With the Portuguese coach given another week to refine his tactics, United might be poised for a disciplined and dangerous form at the Emirates.