Manchester United returns to action on Saturday when they visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in another crucial match in their quest for a top-four finish.
From the lowest levels of sorrow to the pinnacles of heroism. Arsenal appeared to be out of the Premier League top four fight after three consecutive defeats, only to change their fortunes with a surprise 4-2 victory away at Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s side, filled with injuries and lacking confidence, produced one of the season’s best performances when they visited the European champions’ home and came away with a well-earned three points. Thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah.
Before the game, the manager made some important decisions, opting to make two changes from the Southampton defeat, with Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding both contributing to disciplined team performance.
It’s a result that perfectly sets up Manchester United’s visit this weekend. What a football match this will be. There’s one team that has some real momentum, and another that was humiliated by Liverpool by a big scoreline.
The Red Devils were defeated at Anfield with a performance that has been terrible, and they need to show some confidence as they play one of their most important matches of the season. Ralf Rangnick’s side will need to gain their momentum back by grabbing those crucial points on Wednesday.
This match could help United change their fortunes in the top-four race if they are able to see off Arsenal. Those three points should not be taken lightly. Whoever wins will certainly strengthen their place in the race for the top four.
However, Arsenal has a solid home record against United, and a win here would not only put them back in contention, but it would also put them ahead of Tottenham, who don’t play until later that evening.
Also when we talk about the overall win, it’s Manchester United who has the upper hand.
What a nail-biting game we have in store for you.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Head-to-head
Matches played between the two sides: 59
Arsenal wins: 16
Manchester United wins: 25
Games Drawn: 18
With 54 points, Manchester United sits in sixth place in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Arsenal is placed at fifth place in the Premier League table with equal in points with Tottenham and having played a game less.
Manchester United lost 0-1 against Everton, 3-2 to Norwich, and 0-4 to Liverpool in the last three matches. Coach Ralf Rangnick is unable to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo at this time. The striker will be unable to return against Arsenal.
Since November 2020, Manchester United has gone undefeated against Arsenal. Arsenal last won a match against Manchester United in January 2020.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are coming off a resounding 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Mikel Arteta’s team had suffered three straight defeats, but they bounced back in this London derby.
Arsenal Form Guide (In the Premier League): L, W, L, L, L, W
Manchester United Form Guide (In Premier League): L, W, D, L, W, L
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Team News
Arsenal:
Takehiro Tomiyasu was back on the training field earlier this week, much to the delight of Arsenal fans, but the right-back was not part of the win over Chelsea and may only be considered for the bench here.
Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are certainly out, but Arteta has no new worries after Wednesday’s victory and has some significant decisions to make in all areas of the pitch, with Nketiah proving himself worthy of starting as a striker.
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 fixing his position in the backline.
Manchester United:
Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable for the Red Devils against Liverpool, but the 37-year-old is now reportedly back in training and might play at the Emirates.
Paul Pogba was pulled off as he suffered a calf injury after only 10 minutes against Liverpool, joining Luke Shaw, Fred, and Edinson Cavani on the injury list. Scott McTominay’s return from a foot injury comes at the right moment.
Rangnick may be able to welcome Raphael Varane back to the group this weekend, while Eric Bailly is unlikely to start the game.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Opposition Key Player
Bukayo Saka
Even after Eddie Nketiah’s heroics grabbed the deadlines against Chelsea, you can’t write off Bukayo Saka in any match. Manchester United’s fullbacks will vary in the pace and accuracy of the young English attacker.
He has been a vital player for the Gunners and Mikel Arteta has preferred to start him in almost every game. He already has five goals and nine assists in 31 games for Arsenal.
His pairing with Emile Smith Rowe has been hailed by many Pundits and top coaches. They are the first pair of players under the age of 21 to score ten goals for the same team in 15 years. They have equaled Ronaldo and Rooney’s record that they had achieved way back in 2006-07.
Manchester United defenders will have to tightly mark Bukayo Saka as he can outsmart opposition players with his raw pace.
Our Prediction For The Match:
Manchester United will have a difficult test against the Gunners but we expect a crunch game with a lot of goals. Bruno Fernandes could be on the scoresheet and we expect United to give a strong reply to Mikel Arteta’s tactics.
Our Final Score Of The Match: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
