There is an intriguing clash in North London tonight, as Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League.
Since the international break Arsenal have found their groove with three resounding wins in quick succession.
There is uncertainty over the availability of five Arsenal players, however, with Mikel Arteta remaining coy on their chances of featuring. Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori were forced off with injuries at the weekend, while Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly missed the match entirely.
🔴 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️
🆚 Manchester United
⏰ 8.15pm (UK)
🏆 Premier League
🏟 Emirates Stadium pic.twitter.com/6BVUY5tFUC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024
Ruben Amorim achieved his first Premier League win as Manchester United manager at the weekend by thrashing a despondent Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are both suspended for tonight’s game after the pair picked up their fifth bookings of the campaign against Everton.
Full-back Luke Shaw faces another spell on the sidelines just a few games after returning to action. Shaw released a heartfelt message to social media stating his disappointment after another setback.
Arsenal vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news
Form
Arsenal: LDWWW
The Gunners have rediscovered their rhythm since the international break with three convincing wins on the trot.
They put three past Nottingham Forest, before annihilating Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League and running riot against West Ham in a 5-2 hammering at the weekend.
Arsenal beat the Hammers 6-0 at the London Stadium last year and at half-time, it looked as if they were going to surpass that deficit as they put five past Lukasz Fabianski in 45 minutes.
This return to form has coincided with Martin Odegaard’s return from injury with the Arsenal skipper an essential cog in the system.
Across the last three games, Arsenal have scored 13 goals after only netting 12 in their previous nine outings.
Manchester United: WWDWW
The arrival of Ruben Amorim has given United players a new lease of life and they haven’t lost in seven matches in all competitions.
The Red Devils swept aside Everton at the weekend courtesy of a brace each from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.
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Ruben Amorim, Amorim, RUBEN AMORIM! 🔊🎶 pic.twitter.com/DEMjR4WPVx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Amorim will be keen to address United’s away form with the club having triumphed only once on the road in six league matches.
In fact, their only win on their travels was against bottom-of-the-table Southampton back in September, so United will be looking to put that record right tonight.
Last Meeting: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal, Premier League, 12th May 2024.
A Leandro Trossard strike was the difference in the last encounter between the Red Devils and the Gunners.
It was a game of huge significance for Arsenal in the run-in and a win took the North Londoners top of the table, temporarily at least, with one game to go.
Trossard settled the nerves early on as he tapped in from close range to put Mikel Arteta’s side in the driving seat. The visitors continued to search for another after the interval, but Andre Onana was equal to a number of efforts. The Cameroonian stopper kept a strong wrist to tip Gabriel Martinelli’s fierce effort over and to push Declan Rice’s strike from range away from danger.
United failed to trouble their opponents all afternoon and one goal ended up being enough to send Arsenal into first in the Premier League. However, Manchester City would crucially win their game in hand to eventually finish above the Gunners.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee.
Who is the referee?
Sam Barrott will be the match official. He will be assisted by Lee Betts and Ian Hussin while Rob Jones will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Jarred Gillett and he will be assisted by Adam Nunn.
What channel will Arsenal vs Manchester United be on?
Arsenal vs Manchester United will be available to watch on Amazon Prime.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium will be at 20:15 GMT on Wednesday 4th December 2024.
Odds
Arsenal – 2/5
Draw – 4/1
Manchester United – 6/1
Read – Eight moments that defined Arsenal and Man United’s classic rivalry
See more – ‘Don’t rule them out’ – Arteta names two clubs that could gatecrash title race
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