Man Utd vs Arsenal | Combined XI - Premier League 2021/2022 Season

Manchester United vs Arsenal, Man Utd vs Arsenal

One of the season’s most awaited encounters takes place this Thursday as the Gunners visit Old Trafford. This season’s first Man Utd vs Arsenal encounter is quickly building up to be a thrilling match-up. Having only taken five out of a possible 24 points from their last eight fixtures, the Red Devils will be keen on finding form as they prepare for a new beginning under Ralf Rangnick.

Although many expected the German to take charge against Arsenal, delay in official procedures meant that Rangnick is likely to grace the touchline on Sunday, while Michael Carrick will continue as caretaker manager until tomorrow.

Man Utd vs Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Aubamayeng — Image obtained via talkSPORT.com

The Gunners, however, have been gradually improving following their poor start to the campaign. Mikel Arteta’s side have won seven, drawn two, and lost one out of their last ten Premier League games, and will be confident of securing a positive result from tonight’s Man Utd vs Arsenal game at Old Trafford.

Heading on the back of a comfortable 2-0 victory against Newcastle United, the visitors will be backing themselves to take the spoils of victory. Moreover, with a significant five-point gap between the two sides, a victory for either team could potentially boost their momentum ahead of a demanding set of fixtures over the Christmas period.

Formation:

While both teams have utilized a similar formation this season, the difference in approach and tactics have dictated their results, hitherto. Manchester United have been continually lethargic and incoherent in their displays while the Gunners have developed to become a well-oiled unit under Arteta.

Given the range and quality of personnel across both sides, a 4-2-3-1 formation provides a stable balance, which will accommodate players who are key to unlocking the potential whilst being a key contributor to the functioning of the set-up.

Man Utd vs Arsenal Combined XI

Goalkeeper:

David de Gea (GK): While Aaron Ramsdale has been key to Arsenal’s results this season, in the absence of David de Gea, the Red Devils would likely find themselves further down the table. Although Ramsdale boasts a higher number of clean sheets (6) and a better save success rate (81.40%), De Gea has completed six more saves (41) and remains an assuring presence between the sticks.

David De Gea, Man Utd vs Arsenal — Image obtained via Metro

The English shot-stopper is undeniably amongst Arsenal’s best-performing players this season. However, given De Gea’s experience and shot-stopping ability, the Spaniard gets the nod ahead of his young challenger in this combined XI.

Defenders:

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB): Providing the requisite balance in attack and defence, the Japanese full-back, unsurprisingly, gets the nod ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Since his arrival this summer, Tomiyasu has been vital to Arsenal’s solid defensive structure and been a major part of Arteta’s rebuilding plans for the season.

The right-back’s technical ability combined with his defensive positioning make him a potentially superior player to Wan-Bissaka, while his consistency remains another contributing factor in his selection.

Ben White (RCB): A pivotal signing to address Arsenal’s defensive frailties, White’s arrival has seemingly revolutionised the team’s backline this season. In addition to his technical ability, White’s organisation combined with his defensive attributes have been key to Arsenal’s positive results.

Ben White, Defender, Man Utd vs Arsenal — Image obtained via Eurosport.com

Given his contribution and consistent displays for the Gunners, White emerges as a more reliable option ahead of United’s underperforming centre-backs.

Gabriel Magalhaes (LCB): Much like Ben White, Gabriel, too, has remained a vital part of Arsenal’s backline this season. In addition to his defensive contribution, the Brazilian has been a consistent threat from set-pieces, having already registered a goal to his name.

While Harry Maguire emerges as the obvious candidate for the position, the Englishman’s nauseating displays mean that Gabriel emerges as his foremost replacement at centre-back.

Alex Telles (LB): With both first-choice left-backs likely to miss out on Thursday, Alex Telles gets the nod over Nuno Tavares, given his attacking prowess and defensive discipline, shown in recent fixtures. Although Tavares has served as a decent replacement to Kieran Tierney, Telles emerges as a comparatively experienced and reliable full-back of the two.

While both Telles and Tavares fall short on the defensive side of the game, the former has shown to be more adaptable, given United’s marginal improvement in their defensive performances over the last two fixtures.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CDM): A conductor in the middle of the park, Partey offers the required composure and technical attributes to dominate the midfield in the current set-up. The Ghanaian continues to be a critical component of Arsenal’s new approach and has been a better-performing player than all of United’s current midfield options. Given the Red Devils lack a trusted defensive midfielder, Partey remains the foremost candidate to be employed in the disciplinary position.

Donny Van De Beek (CM): While the Dutchman continues to be given minimum game-time, Donny van de Beek has been impressive in his few cameos this season. Alongside Partey, the midfielder could potentially be deployed in a box-to-box role, thus, extracting the best out of his attributes in the current set-up.

Attackers:

Emile Smith-Rowe (RW): Arguably, Arsenal’s most consistent performer this season, Smith Rowe remains a pivotal part of the team’s impressive run of results heading into Thursday’s fixture. The youngster has been vital in the attacking third, having already registered four goals and two assists, and has been the primary key to the Gunners’ midfield balance throughout the ongoing campaign.

Although Jadon Sancho emerges as the foremost option in this position, Smith Rowe’s remarkable performances justify him a place in the starting line-up over United’s right-wing option.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): A first-teamer in most line-ups, Bruno Fernandes emerges as the foremost option in this position. Although the midfielder is yet to perform to his potential this season, Fernandes’ vision combined with his effort is second to none across the Premier League.

Unlikely to be displaced by any of Arsenal’s attacking midfielders, Fernandes remains amongst the first names on the team sheet within this set-up.

Jadon Sancho (LW): While one could make a strong argument for Bukayo Saka, Sancho would still be considered a more viable option on the left flank. The winger is seemingly beginning to gain form and could develop into a pivotal player if United are to secure a top-four spot at the end of the campaign. Given his recent performances and work rate, Sancho emerges as a comparatively more impactful option ahead of Saka on the left wing.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): Undeniably, the most coveted of all attackers across both teams, Ronaldo emerges as the most certain name on the team sheet. With Sancho and Smith Rowe providing the width, the Portuguese forward is likely to be given the service required and the penalty whilst working within a structure suited to his game.