Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus the big question for Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal clash with Manchester United
06:00, 25 Jan 2026
Gabriel Jesus with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta during the win over Inter Milan
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Gabriel Jesus with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta during the win over Inter Milan (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)(Image: )
Arsenal take on Manchester United, looking to take a big step toward the Premier League title and tick off another major opponent off their list of remaining games. A seven-point lead has opened after another weekend where Mikel Arteta’s team managed to take advantage, be it only by a point, of Manchester City and Aston Villa being beaten.
Yet again, they play after their title rivals, and with Pep Guardiola heading into a home clash with Wolves, the expectation is certainly that the gap will be initially closed, needing a response at the Emirates Stadium. But after a 3-1 win in Milan over Inter, there is confidence in this side that they can secure a major result.
Michael Carrick, buoyed by the win over his side’s city rivals, will be hoping to take yet another scalp. Arteta, therefore, needs to get his line-up spot on and football.london has our thoughts on what we are expecting and why:
David Raya
Back-to-back clean sheets in the league, the Spaniard needs his forward teammates to start putting the ball in the back of the net.
Ben White
With question marks over the availability of the left-back options, Ben White maintains his place in the right-back slot after a couple of strong performances.
William Saliba
With the return of Cristhian Mosquera, there is some genuine competition in the defensive line, but it will take a huge effort to displace William Saliba.
Gabriel
Got a valuable amount of minutes against Inter Milan as he came on as a substitute and can be ready to deal with Bryan Mbeumo and company.
Jurrien Timber
Back to left-back, but it should be said that Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in midweek and could be working his way back into strong domestic contention.
Martin Zubimendi
The Spaniard has been the base of the Arsenal midfield all season and has been an immediate hit, while Man United have spent huge sums on Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and others with a fraction of the success in just this short space of time.
Declan Rice
Came on for the end of the win over Inter Milan and has plenty in the tank to take on a United side that he famously scored a winner against in his first season with Arsenal. Another please!
Martin Odegaard
A big game for Martin Odegaard, as the captain faces increasing scrutiny following some disappointing performances.
Bukayo Saka
Perhaps not ideal, he played the whole game in Milan, but he has been given more rest than ever before this season.
Viktor Gyokeres
Even though Gabriel Jesus scored twice against Inter, Gyokeres’ goal after he came on might have been enough to still keep his starting place.
Leandro Trossard
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A trusted member of the squad under Arteta, particularly for big games, and therefore no surprise to see him in the starting eleven here.
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