Manchester United face Arsenal in today’s crunch Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Red Devils recently dropped points at Crystal Palace after a stellar stoppage time free-kick from Michael Olise. However, they should have won the game with the chances created.
Manager Erik ten Hag will be eyeing a strong response against the Gunners today. The Red Devils can reduce the gap to the league leaders to five points if they beat them in north London.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has been ever-present in goal for the club this campaign. He has eight clean sheets in the top-flight and will be aiming to restrict the Gunners from finding the back of the net.
The defence should be identical to the recent stalemate at Palace. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are United’s best central defensive duo and were influential in the 3-1 win in the reverse meeting.
Luke Shaw is now a guaranteed starter under Ten Hag and should feature in the left-back role ahead of Tyrell Malacia. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a nailed-on starter with Diogo Dalot ruled out with an injury.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from United last month but he has had a tremendous turnaround of fortunes. He made a stunning goal saving tackle in midweek.
In midfield, United won’t have the services of Casemiro. The Brazilian received his fifth yellow card of the season at Selhurst Park and will therefore serve a one-game suspension at Arsenal.
Scott McTominay seems the natural replacement but in our opinion, Fred could get the nod on the back of a terrific display against Manchester City last week where he man-marked Kevin De Bruyne.
The Brazilian could have a similar role against Martin Odegaard this time around. Alongside him, it should be Christian Eriksen in the number eight position. The Dane could be a crucial player for United.
He has the ability to make quality passes behind the Gunners’ high backline for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony to capitalise on the counter-attack. This was key to the success last time around.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes is set to feature in the number 10 role with Antony and Rashford either side of him. With Anthony Martial ruled out with a leg injury, Wout Weghorst should lead the line.
Weghorst did not make a goal contribution on his club debut at Palace and did brilliantly to divert the attention of the Palace defenders in the lead up to Fernandes’ goal before the half-time interval.
He could be tasked with a similar role of keeping William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes busy with his good physical and aerial presence. United will be aiming to do the league double over the Gunners for the first time since the 2017/18 season.
How Man Utd could line up vs Arsenal
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
