Manchester United vs Arsenal is always an exciting fixture, irrespective of the table position or the tournament they are competing in. The Gunners will travel to Old Trafford on Thursday for the much-anticipated Premier League fixture.
United will be without newly appointed interim manager Ralf Rangnick due to an incomplete work permit and Michael Carrick will remain in charge as caretaker manager for the match. United have done well under Carrick so far, mainly against Chelsea last Sunday.
The Gunners have scored 15 goals so far against their opponents while letting in 17 goals. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have had more goals for and against them. They have scored 21 goals and allowed 22 in the process. Also, Arsenal have better overall records with only 1 loss in the last 10 Premier League matches.
During the Arsenal vs Newcastle United game, the hosts tried a more offensive lineup, looking more on ball possession plays. Odegaard was injected into the starting lineup for the fixture and played quite well. He will certainly keep his place as Arteta will be looking for more creativity against the leaky United defence.
Aubameyang has been struggling in front of the post, scoring just 4 goals in the Premier League so far this season, which is very worrying. However, goals from attacking midfielders Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have provided some glimmer of hope for Arteta. Defensively, the Gunners have played well, thanks to new arrivals and the brilliant goal-keeping from Ramsdale.
Goalkeeper:
Aaron Ramsdale (GK): This is a no-brainer. Ramsdale will keep his place in between the posts but need to be very active against United. The hosts have some serious attacking talent in their squad and are capable of scoring from long range and dead ball situations apart from the open plays and lethal counterattacks.
Defence:
Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB): Tomiyasu will be aware of his mistakes against Liverpool and needs to work on them to prevent the fast and lethal counterattacks from Manchester United.
Ben White (CB): Ben White is proving to be a gem of a signing so far, forming a solid defensive partnership with Gabriel. He needs to be on his toes for the full ninety minutes as a single chance against Martial, Ronaldo, or Fernandes could spoil the party for them.
Gabriel (CB): The Brazilian defender already has experience of facing United before, but with White on his side, he will be more confident of a clean sheet this time.
Nuno Tavares (LB): Tavares was given the chance to play ahead of Tierney against Liverpool. He played pretty well against the Magpies and is likely to retain his position against the Red Devils
Midfield:
Arteta might prefer a 4-2-3-1 lineup for this match. The formation needs to balance both attack and defence for the match-up against United.
Thomas Partey (CM): Thomas Partey has lots of experience under his belt, and has already played against the Manchester club last year. He needs to take charge and control the game for Arsenal in midfield. His most important role would be to keep a check on Bruno Fernandes.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM): Sambi Lokonga has put up good performances for the Gunners so far this season, even against Liverpool. He will be a key component in midfield to hold possession and push the ball into dangerous areas on Thursday.
Nicolas Pepe (RM): Mikel Arteta has preferred Saka on the right-flank for his attacking abilities and intelligent passing inside the opposition box. However, his selection remains doubtful after a thigh injury forced him off against Newcastle United. Pepe is likely to get the nod against the Red Devils, offering him a chance to reclaim his spot in the Arsenal lineup. Saka might come off the bench if fit.
Martin Odegaard (AM): Martin Odegaard’s performance against the Magpies was satisfactory, but will need some more spark and creativity against United.
Emile Smith Row (LM): Emile Smith Rowe will be looking to hurt United with his cheeky runs and passes. He needs to be at his best if the Gunners want to return with a positive outcome from the game. He needs to look for goals early on to set the tone for the game.
Read More:
- Arsenal vs Newcastle United: Tactical Review and In-depth Match Analysis
- Manager Mikel Arteta Wants to Bring Arsene Wenger Back to Arsenal
- Arsenal Defender Subject to Transfer Interest from Brazilian Club; Should Arsenal Sell?
Attack:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST): The Arsenal captain will be a starter against Manchester United for sure, but needs to put on his scoring shoes again. The Gunners require a striker at the moment and Auba must fulfil his duties.
Predicted Arsenal vs Manchester United Score:
The Red Devils will be confident after securing a 1-1 draw against Premier League leaders Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arteta would want to get past the United fixture with 3 points before the hosts hit good form with a new incoming manager. Arsenal players have to be sharp and accurate to score against Manchester United. The predicted scoreline is 1-0 in Arsenal’s favour.
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