Arsenal will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners impressed on Tuesday night when cruising to a sensational 7-1 victory over PSV, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can build on that performance domestically.
With the north London outfit’s injury woes showing no signs of slowing, there are only a handful of changes that Arteta could make to his starting eleven if he opts to rotate against Ruben Amorim’s side. Express Sport takes a look at how Arsenal are likely to line up at Old Trafford…
Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper – Raya
David Raya has kept an impressive 10 clean sheets so far this season, and he will need to be at his best to return to the Emirates with his eleventh.
Defence – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Arsenal’s centre-back pairing picks itself, with William Saliba and Gabriel both viewed as two of the best defenders in Europe.
Ben White managed 13 minutes against PSV in midweek as he looks to return to full fitness following a knee injury, and it appears that his game time will continue to be monitored over the coming weeks. As such, Jurrien Timber appears set to remain in right-back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was withdrawn after 35 minutes against PSV after being somewhat fortunate not to have received a second yellow card. The teenager was sent off against West Ham last month too and it may be too big of a risk to start the versatile defender against United, especially with Riccardo Calafiori available.
Midfield – Rice, Partey, Odegaard
Jorginho remained an unused substitute in midweek, though the Italian may be forced to settle for a spot on the bench once again this weekend.
Martin Odegaard’s brace was a sign that the playmaker is on the cusp of returning to form after some dismal Premier League performances, and the Norwegian looked best suited to working in a three alongside Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
Forwards – Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
With Raheem Sterling failing to get his career back on track at the Emirates, Arsenal’s attack is likely to remain unchanged.
Mikel Merino is therefore set to start his fourth successive match as a makeshift striker, having bagged three goals in that time. Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard are likely to complete the attack.