Arsenal rekindled their Champions League hopes with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Chelsea in midweek, but Ralf Rangnick’s side succumbed to Liverpool in a 4-0 defeat.
Team News
Arsenal
- Takehiro Tomiyasu was back on the training fields earlier this week, much to the delight of Arsenal fans. However, the right-back was not part of the win over Chelsea and may only be considered for a bench spot here.
- Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are out for the foreseeable future. Regardless, Arteta has no new worries after Wednesday’s triumph and has some significant decisions to make in all areas of the pitch, with Nketiah proving himself worthy of starting up top once more.
- Mohamed Elneny impressed in midfield on Wednesday and might partner Granit Xhaka again here, while Rob Holding, despite a few sloppy passes in midweek, is hopeful of preserving his position in the backline.
Manchester United
- Cristiano Ronaldo was understandably absent for the visitors in midweek following the heartbreaking death of his newborn son. Fortunately, the 37-year-old is now back in training and could play at the Emirates.
- Paul Pogba was pulled off with a calf ailment after only 10 minutes against Liverpool, joining Luke Shaw, Fred, and Edinson Cavani in the medical room. Scott McTominay’s comeback from a foot condition comes at a good moment.
- Rangnick will be able to welcome Raphael Varane back to the squad this weekend, and United manager is allegedly considering removing Harry Maguire from the starting XI following a bomb threat at the defender’s home.
Prediction Analysis
Man United could benefit from Ronaldo’s projected return to the frontline, but as much as the Portuguese love a goal against Arsenal, it remains to be seen if he is in the proper frame of mind to play.
Man United’s shaky backline might be in for a hard ride against Arteta’s side. If Arsenal’s new-look side can generate similar levels of incisiveness as they did against Chelsea, we can only see the Gunners completely destroying the Red Devils’ top-four ambitions while giving theirs a big boost.
Our prediction is Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United.
Possible Lineup
Arsenal: Xhaka, Elneny; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah; Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tavares;
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Telles; Matic, McTominay; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo; s