Arsenal are riding high on confidence as they prepare for their Premier League face-off against Manchester United, following a 7-1 midweek triumph over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. However, they know that another victory is vital to keep their faint league title aspirations alive. Mikel Arteta's team currently trail Liverpool by 16 points, although they have two games in hand over Arne Slot's side.
The Gunners will need to bring their European form to Old Trafford after lacklustre displays in their previous two league matches all but extinguished their title dreams. The team has managed to find the net only twice in their last four league outings before their emphatic win over PSV. Both goals were scored late in the game against Leicester City, who are languishing at the bottom of the table.
Despite this, spirits will be high after their effortless victory over the Dutch side. However, Arteta faces tough decisions regarding his starting eleven.
With Ben White making appearances from the bench after returning from injury, there are questions about whether he should start in defence to gain more playing time. Myles Lewis-Skelly will also be available after serving a suspension for his red card against West Ham.
However, the teenager was substituted off before half-time in the midweek match when he arguably should have already been sent off. Jurrien Timber's versatility gives Arteta options in defence.
Unfortunately, five players will definitely miss the clash against Ruben Amorim's side due to various reasons.
Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to knee surgeries, while Kai Havertz is also out until pre-season following a hamstring operation. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain unavailable as well.
This leaves Arsenal with a mere 17 senior players at their disposal for their forthcoming clash against Manchester United, as per the official club website. This tally does not include Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri - both listed as Arsenal Academy players on the Gunners' official site - who will be part of the squad as usual.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, an Academy forward who has frequently been on the bench recently, could also get another call-up to bolster the attacking options.
This story originally appeared on the Mirror