Manchester United will be out to spoil Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes on Sunday when the two English powerhouses lock horns at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are limping towards the finish line, having managed just one league win in seven games. They were humbled 4-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night, leaving Erik ten Hag’s side in danger of slipping out of Europa League contention.
The Gunners, meanwhile, are overwhelming favourites to win at Old Trafford, although it is a stadium they have not enjoyed visiting over recent years. Mikel Arteta’s sit at the summit of the league with 83 points from 36 games but any dropped points will certainly hand the title to Manchester City, who can above the north London side with a win at Fulham on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Arsenal—Team News
Manchester United
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay are all back in training for Manchester United, Ten Hag confirmed in his pre-match presser. Lisandro Martinez is also back on the grass but is not yet ready to make his playing comeback while Mason Mount has been ruled out of the big game with a minor injury.
Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Willy Kambwala remain out as well, so Ten Hag may have no choice but to stick with Casemiro and Jonny Evans in central defence, despite their nightmarish evening against Crystal Palace. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should take up the full-back spots, with Andre Onana a permanent fixture in goal.
Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay’s return to training are a big boost, and the duo are expected to walk straight into the home side’s midfield. Kobbie Mainoo has performed well in his breakout campaign and deserves to keep his place intact in the first XI. Marcus Rashford may not be risked from the off after recently recovering from his injury, meaning the front three of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony are likely to start on Sunday.
Arsenal
Arsenal, in contract, might head to Old Trafford with a fully fit squad, although Mikel Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference that both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka were minor doubts. Jurrien Timber could be in the travelling squad and make his first appearance since the opening weekend.
David Raya should start in goal, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior forming the backline. Jorginho, who penned a short-term contract extension earlier this week, has been a calming presence in the Arsenal midfield this season and turned up in big games. He is expected to start alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, as the Gunners look to dominate Man United in the middle of the park.
Despite being rated doubtful, Bukayo Saka is expected to shake off his minor leg issue and start on the right flank. Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz are undroppable due to their form and influence and must complete the Arsenal attack.
Manchester United vs Arsenal—Predicted Lineups
Predicted Manchester United Lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, McTominay; Antony, Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund
Man United were smashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday as they lacked any kind of inspiration in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, who sat out with an ankle knock. The Portuguese has been the club’s most in-form player in recent times and his return to training is a big boost for Ten Hag’s side. On Sunday, Fernandes’ presence in the middle of the park will be crucial if Man United are to get a positive result against a ruthless Arsenal side.
Arsenal—Bukayo Saka
Currently, on 20 goals for the campaign across all competitions, Bukayo Saka has five direct goal- contributions against the Red Devils in the Premier League (three goals and two assists). Despite his minor setback, it would not be a surprise to see the England international start in a game that has a lot at stake. With his trickery, flair and movement, the forward could make a mockery of the patched-up Man United backline.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
