Arsenal and Manchester United are set to face each other at the Emirates Stadium in an exciting Premier League matchup on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s team is eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-2 home draw against 10-man Fulham last week, and facing one of their fiercest rivals presents a great opportunity to do so.
Last weekend, Arsenal set an unfortunate Premier League record by conceding a goal in the first minute against Fulham.
This marked the third time in a specific calendar year that they had conceded a goal in the first minute, making them the first club in the history of England’s top flight-to do so.
Must Read: Arsenal vs Manchester United – Man United Predicted Lineup | PL
Despite winning two of their first three league matches this season, Arsenal’s performances have not been convincing. This has raised doubts about their ability to achieve the runner-up finish they secured in the previous season in the 2023-24 campaign.
ℹ️ The manager was quizzed about a potential incoming during today's press conference.#MUFC || #ARSMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2023
Meanwhile, Man United have also faced their share of less impressive displays.
Erik ten Hag’s side recently experienced an unusual situation, becoming the first United team in the Premier League era to concede two goals within the first four minutes at Old Trafford, in their match against Nottingham Forest.
Also Read: UCL Draw: Man United to face Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray
Despite this early setback, they managed to make a comeback and secure a morale-boosting 3-2 victory. This win came after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in their only away league match this season.
Having shown character in their match against Forest, United are determined to overcome the Gunners on Sunday.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Form Guide
Arsenal have been quite prolific in front of goal, scoring multiple goals in nine of their last ten Premier League home matches, with the exception being a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in mid-May.
They are looking forward to Man United’s upcoming visit to London, as they have won four of their last five head-to-head meetings at the Emirates Stadium, drawing one, and scoring before half-time in all four of those victories.
Despite waiting for Kai Havertz to gel with his new teammates, Mikel Arteta will rely on his strong attacking trio consisting of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka to maintain Arsenal’s goal-scoring form at home.
🗞️ Thoughts on incomings and outgoings
🗞️ Zinchenko's involvement on Sunday
🗞️ Tactical changes this seasonRead every word from Mikel's press conference this afternoon 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 1, 2023
However, Arsenal’s defence has struggled in eight of their last nine Premier League home games.
United’s manager Erik ten Hag has faced difficulties in away matches against top-nine clubs in the Premier League, with his team being winless in all nine such visits, drawing one and losing eight.
Also Read: United can only sign Sofyan Amrabat if they agree to loan deal with buy option
Their away form against high-profile opponents doesn’t bode well for their defence, and they have failed to score in three of their last five league trips to Arsenal.
Overall, Man United’s recent away form in London hasn’t been impressive, as they have won just one of their last ten top-flight visits to the capital, with three draws and six losses.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Team News
Gabriel Jesus is expected to return to Arsenal’s starting lineup after coming off the bench against Fulham. However, Arteta still has players unavailable, including Mohamed Elneny and Jurrien Timber, while Eddie Nketiah’s availability is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Man United will be significantly weakened due to injuries to several key players, including Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Mason Mount. Rasmus Hojlund might make the matchday squad but is likely to begin as a substitute.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Potential starting lineup
Arsenal:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, William Saliba, Thomas Partey
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
Attacking Midfielders: Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka
Forward: Gabriel Jesus
Manchester United:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot
Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen
Attacking Midfielders: Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
Forward: Anthony Martial
Our Final Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United
Man United’s poor away record under Erik ten Hag is a significant factor in our prediction, and we expect Arsenal to perform well.
The Red Devils would find it difficult to emerge victorious but will give it a fight. With new signings on board, they would have a different plan on display at the Emirates Stadium.
