Team News
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a boost ahead of their upcoming clash with the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu from suspension, and Oleksandr Zinchenko has seemingly recovered from a calf injury. However, long-term absentees Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny remain sidelined with knee injuries. There were concerns over Eddie Nketiah after the forward picked up a knock in the recent draw with Fulham. Fortunately, the injury appears to be minor, and Gunners fans breathed a sigh of relief as Gabriel Jesus made his return from surgery last week. With Folarin Balogun now having completed his move to Monaco, Jesus’s return to full fitness is well-timed. Zinchenko could make his way back into the starting XI at left-back, and Gabriel Magalhaes, who was benched last time out, may also be recalled, especially with Thomas Partey now nursing a groin injury that will see him miss a couple of weeks.
On the Manchester United side, Erik ten Hag has been hit by injuries in defence. Raphael Varane was forced off at half-time against Nottingham Forest and is set to miss a few weeks, with Victor Lindelof likely to step in. The Red Devils are also without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Tom Heaton, all dealing with various injuries. There is, however, optimism surrounding new striker Rasmus Hojlund, who could make his long-awaited debut after recovering from a back injury. Tottenham Hotspur loanee Sergio Reguilon is also available, though Diogo Dalot is expected to continue at left-back. Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has joined on loan, but he would have needed to be registered by Friday to feature in this match.
Form Guide
Manchester United’s previous Premier League outing was a dramatic affair, as they made history by conceding twice in the opening four minutes at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest. Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly left United stunned early on, but Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes led a spirited comeback, securing a 3-2 victory. That result saw United bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with the Red Devils currently sitting eighth in the table. Their home form has been solid, also picking up a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but their away form is cause for concern. Ten Hag’s side has won just three of their last 11 away league games, scoring only once in their last four matches on the road.
United have fond memories of last season’s meeting at Old Trafford, where they defeated Arsenal 3-1, but the Gunners got their revenge with a thrilling 3-2 win at the Emirates in January. Arsenal have not lost to United at home in the league since December 2017, when Jesse Lingard famously danced his way to a brace.
Predicted Outcome
Arsenal’s inability to keep a clean sheet at the Emirates remains a worry, and Manchester United’s attacking quality could cause problems. However, Arteta’s men are difficult to break down at home and should have enough to edge past Ten Hag’s team, getting back on track with a crucial victory. Still, we predict a slightly unexpected 2-2 draw.