New manager Ruben Amorim is set for a real test this week as a recuperating Manchester United side faces a rejuvenated, high-flying Arsenal side at the Emirates Stadium. The crowded festive period is upon us, and the new boss’s first taste of midweek Premier League action is a big one in the capital.
Despite a few slip-ups last month, Arsenal have cruised to win three matches in a row since their 1-1 draw with Chelsea. The Gunners have exhibited their significant firepower, scoring 13 goals over their previous three outings against Nottingham Forest, Sporting, and West Ham.
The Gunners are in part boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard, who has been a bright spark for Arteta’s side since returning to fitness and scored in the 5-2 demolition of West Ham on Sunday.
Arsenal look like a changed outfit since the November international break and now they are set to host a fiery contest at the Emirates this weekend for its 500th fixture.
Mikel Arteta would be gutted to start the season slowly, as Manchester City is enduring tough times this campaign. While Liverpool are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal will hope to close the gap and surpass them later in the season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United comes into this match on the back of an unbeaten run started since Ruben Amorim's appointment. Braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee propelled United to an emphatic victory over Everton in their last league match.
Currently sitting 9th in the league standings, The Red Devils are a long way from the top spots but Amorim has instilled renewed hope in his team to finish comfortably in a Champions League spot.
United have lost each of their last three Premier League games against Arsenal and they last won at the Emirates back in 2019 in an F.A. Cup tie. The Red Devils’ last victory over Arsenal in the Premier League came early in Erik ten Hag’s first season, a 3-1 win, and the last Premier League win at the Emirates came in the famous Jesse Lingard Milly Rock game in the 2017/18 season.
Results from their last five matches across all competitions
Arsenal:
W W W D L
Manchester United:
W W D W W
Team News
Gabriel is expected to be out of this match after picking up a knock against Sporting.
Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly are recovering from injuries picked up in training.
Jakub Kiwior could be handed a first Premier League start if the Brazilian defender is rested.
As for Man United, Bruno Fernandes is in contention to start this weekend after navigating an injury scare during the match with Everton.
Harry Maguire has recovered from his injury.
Predicted XIs
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Diallo, Casemiro, Ugarte, Shaw; Zirkzee, Fernandes; Hojlund.