Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Manchester United in Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners go into the United game on the back of a 2-2 draw at home against Fulham. Arsenal conceded two goals inside the first minute last season, and let in another one here against the Cottagers, with Marco Silva’s men netting after just 57 seconds following Bukayo Saka’s misplaced pass.
Fabio Vieira’s stunning cameo off the bench helped Arsenal come from behind and go 2-1 up in the second half, but ten-man Fulham managed to come away with a point thanks to Joao Palhinha’s late equaliser. Arsenal had 11 shots on target, but many were straight at the goalkeeper.
Manager Mikel Arteta was pleased with the performance against Fulham, but will be hoping that his players can attempt better shots on goal against the Red Devils.
Arsenal have a good recent home record against United with just one defeat in six years, but Erik ten Hag’s side can’t be taken lightly with their goalscoring threat.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Aaron Ramsdale had to backtrack for Pereira’s goal and was unlucky to concede. The Brazilian completely mistimed his attempted chip which ended up wrongfooting Ramsdale. The 25-year-old will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against United tomorrow.
Mikel Arteta has experimented with Thomas Partey in a right-back plus midfield role, but should revert to a traditional back four against United. We anticipate Ben White to reclaim his right-back spot.
Gabriel Magalhaes could make his first start of the campaign alongside William Saliba in central defence. Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko could likewise do the same, having been a substitute in the last two outings. Jakub Kiwior should drop to the bench.
In midfield, we would personally prefer Thomas Partey and Declan Rice to line up together such that the latter has the opportunity to operate in a more creative role when in possession of the ball.
This would mean that Kai Havertz could drop to the bench. The German has got into some good positions in the box, but has lacked the cutting edge. Fabio Vieira outshined him in his cameo.
Vieira won the penalty and created the goal for Nketiah last weekend, but the Portuguese is better off coming as a substitute. Despite his creativity, he is not the best when it comes to winning challenges.
In attack, there could be a solitary change with Nketiah replacing Leandro Trossard up front. The club graduate has made a goal contribution in every game and was recently rewarded with an England call-up.
Behind him, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli are assured to keep their places. They were far from their best versus Fulham, but Arteta is bound to keep his faith on the attacking trio.
How Arsenal could line up vs Man Utd
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
