A mouthwatering clash is on the menu this weekend as [Manchester United](https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com) host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Despite earning a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town in their previous Premier League outing, Manchester United’s pitiful form continued with the exit from the F.A. Cup and a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League Round of 16’s first-leg. Ruben Amorim has practically failed to do the job he was brought in for, and the team has nothing to hope for this season apart from avoiding a late relegation battle.
While Erik Ten Hag gifted the club with the F.A. Cup despite a horrendous league form, this season, United threw their hopes of defending the title in the bin as Fulham defeated them on penalties last week. However, the Red Devils are still in the fight for silverware in the Europa League, but that seems unlikely unless they manage something extraordinary.
The 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad is expected to be turned over into a victory over the two legs, considering the return leg is at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, it will be a special day for Mikel Arteta in the Arsenal dugout as Sunday’s match will be his 200th game managing The Gunners.
Arsenal approaches this match in good form after dismantling PSV Eindhoven with a 7-1 scoreline. Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were on the scoresheet to virtually settle the tie in their favour.
Despite recent successes and commanding performances throughout the season, Arteta’s wait for a Premier League title is set to go on as [Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/) have pulled away by a comfortable margin at the top of the pile.
Arsenal are the favourites to prevail in this fixture but the F.A. Cup third-round loss to Amorim’s side will make them proceed cautiously.
**Results from their last five matches across all competitions**
Manchester United:
D L W D L
Arsenal:
W D L W L
**Team News**
Amorim is set to be without the services of Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte.
Patrick Dorgu's suspension and the inadequacy of first-choice defenders might help Victor Lindelof get his first league start of the campaign. Ayden Heaven could be in the running for a spot in defense.
Mikel Arteta is set to go with the front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard.
Myles Lewis-Skelly will be given another chance to play out a disciplined match.
**Predicted XIs**
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Zirkzee, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard