Arsenal legend David Seaman has admitted feeling uneasy ahead of the team’s FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United at the Emirates this Sunday.
This highly anticipated clash pits FA Cup record-holders Arsenal against defending champions United. Despite sitting 17 points ahead of United in the Premier League, Arsenal’s recent form raises questions about their ability to secure victory.
Over the festive period, the Gunners dropped critical points in the title race and suffered a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Adding to their woes, Mikel Arteta faces a growing injury list, with Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all unavailable.
Given these challenges, Arteta might rest key players and opt to field younger talent. Meanwhile, Manchester United impressed with a 2-2 draw at Liverpool, their best performance under Ruben Amorim.
On his Seaman Says podcast, the former Arsenal and England goalkeeper shared his thoughts on United’s form and the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal’s lineup.
“Their performance at Anfield showed how good they can be as a team,” Seaman said. “It all depends on the lineups. I know Mikel likes to rotate for these competitions, but it makes me nervous.”
Seaman acknowledged that injuries and illnesses might force Arteta to rely on his strongest available squad. He expects a change in goal, with Neto stepping in after being cup-tied for the Carabao Cup.
“It’s tricky to use youngsters in games like this,” Seaman added. “Jack Porter played at 16 in the Carabao Cup, and I was so nervous watching him. It’s such a big stage for them.”
Despite his concerns, Seaman is optimistic about Arsenal’s chances. A four-time FA Cup winner himself, he believes home advantage could be the deciding factor. “I feel confident they’ll get it done,” he concluded. “I predict a 2-1 or 3-1 win for Arsenal.”