Bartlett backing Man Utd to dump Arsenal out of FA Cup

While the Premier League may be taking a momentary breather, the football fever shows no signs of slowing down on Showmax Premier League.

This week, we’re in for a treat with a captivating lineup of matches that will have you glued to your screens.

The FA Cup enters the fray with a series of mouthwatering ties including the mammoth clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.

The fixture has always been a feisty affair, and this weekend’s one will be no different.
Ahead of the game, Showmax caught up with former Premier League forward Shaun Bartlett to chat about the clash between the Gunners and the Red Devils.

Former Premier League forward Shaun Bartlett is anticipating a surprise result on the weekend when Arsenal face-off against Manchester United in arguably the tie of the 3rd round in the FA Cup.

The South African ex-footballer, who played for Charlton Athletic in the Premier League, is expecting Man United to progress to the next round, despite their struggles this season.

“This game is lined up for a surprise result, and I feel United will sneak a win this weekend,” Bartlett told Showmax this week.

The game, which takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 12 January 2025, will be shown live on Showmax Premier League at 17:00.

Bartlett says Ruben Amorim’s men can take plenty of encouragement from their game against Liverpool when they head to the Emirates this weekend.

United claimed a precious point at Anfield last weekend when they shocked league leaders Liverpool in a 2-2 draw.

Not many expected United to get anything from the game, but the Red Devils showed what they are capable of under the Portuguese manager.

“The performance should give them confidence knowing that they didn't become a bad team overnight and can still compete and surprise a few people,” said Bartlett.

While Bartlett admits Arsenal go in to the tie as favourites, he is confident United can once again spring a surprise.

“I believe Arsenal will always be favourites at home, but United have shown that they can compete with their showing against Man City and Liverpool recently. Both games United played have shown glimpses of improvement, both away from home (Etihad and Anfield). It almost seems like they play better when not under pressure from their home fans.”

He is also expecting plenty of goal mouth action in the fixture.

“Games between these two very seldom produce fewer than two goals per game, that is why I feel there will be goals in this game but not as feisty as past seasons.”

Bartlett has also praised new United manager Ruben Amorim but has urged fans to be patient with the Portuguese manager. “We know he's a good manager, but it always takes time to adapt to a new league or players that you didn't sign. Once he gets players in that can play to his system, the team will get better results.”

In his time in the Premier League, Bartlett came up against United and Arsenal on several occasions. He even scored a brace against Man United in his debut for Charlton Athletic. He says coming up against teams like Man Utd and Arsenal was always a huge occasion. “Both these teams have always competed for trophies, so when we played them, it was almost like our cup final to get a victory against them on the day.”

While Bartlett expects a surprise result in favour of his favourite team, Man United, he is aware of the threat the Gunners pose, despite Arsenal not having two of the most exciting attackers out in Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.

“Arsenal have always introduced young players in the FA Cup, and I'm sure they will again bring in someone to surprise us all. The two will be missed, but they have a good squad now.”

Aside from the clash of the round between Arsenal and Man Utd, Showmax Premier League will be streaming plenty other FA Cup fixtures, including Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Manchester City v Salford City, Chelsea v Morecambe, Aston Villa v West Ham, and much more.

Shaun Bartlett prediction:
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd

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