Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard are both predicted to start for Arsenal in their Premier League match against Manchester United
07:00, 9 MAR 2025
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, could again call on Riccardo Calafiori to help beat Manchester United
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta wants to continue to build momentum from their massive win over PSV Eindhoven as they travel north to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. His opponent Ruben Amorim continues to struggle with his team.
While they might have seen the match as an opportunity after the Gunners failed to score in their previous two league games, the seven goals scored in the Champions League has changed the landscape completely. Now there will be some trepidation from United’s side, especially having suffered further injuries worries.
It also makes picking the team that much easier for Mikel Arteta although there is one area causing something of a selection headache. With that in mind, here is the football.london predicted line-up for the clash with Nottingham Forest.
David Raya
David Raya before an Arsenal game
The Spanish international had very little to do against PSV except pick the ball out of his net from a Noa Lang penalty. That is no criticism, it was a great strike, he will be expected to be tested more at Old Trafford. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)1 of 11
2. ### Jurrien Timber
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber
It was probably Jurrien Timber’s best game as Arsenal right-back at PSV as he scored the opening goal of the match. His presence in both offensive and defensive thirds was pivotal to the Gunners’ victory. (Image: AP Photo/Peter Dejong)2 of 11
3. ### William Saliba
William Saliba of Arsenal during a training session before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on March 03, 2025
Another imperious defensive display from Saliba in midweek, but he could be up against a former teammate of his in Chido Obi-Martin this weekend. The Frenchman will have trained with the Danish youth international and know him very well. (Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)3 of 11
4. ### Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes during an Arsenal game
It could be that set-pieces return to threaten the opposition and naturally Gabriel Magalhaes, who scored against United earlier in the season, will be the target to try and get the ball rolling again on the specialty of the team. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)4 of 11
5. ### Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori scored a goal any striker would have been proud of for Arsenal against PSV
Arteta has a decision to make between Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly. I think that the Italian is who he will plump for after his performance, having replaced the youngster on Tuesday night, and it certainly shouldn’t be seen as punishment to Lewis-Skelly but instead a reward for the Calafiori. (Image: Stefan Koops / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)5 of 11
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025
Having almost cost Arsenal by giving away a penalty against PSV, it is unlikely that this will incur the Ghanaian being dropped for the trip to Manchester. His presence is important for the side and his progression in transition will be key. (Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)6 of 11
2. ### Declan Rice
Arsenal director Josh Kroenke with Declan Rice
Back to his brilliant best, Declan Rice was a force to be reckoned with in Europe. Back on British shores, Rice will now need to rediscover that league form that threatened to return at the start of the year. (Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)7 of 11
3. ### Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard looked a revived version of himself in the hammering win over PSV
This is another big game for Odegaard, the captain also looked revived with his two goals and an assist against PSV. Another top performance would allow that momentum to grow at the right time. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)8 of 11
Ethan Nwaneri
A huge decision has been made on Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri
Such a special player, it is a joy knowing that Ethan Nwaneri will continue to start games and I have zero doubts he will be able to deal with what is the biggest moment of his career so far in regards to an away fixture where he might start. (Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))9 of 11
2. ### Leandro Trossard
Arsenal will be hoping for a big Premier League title race boost at the expense of Liverpool
Another player who had a top performance in the last game, Arsenal have needed Leandro Trossard to deliver and if his display against PSV is anything to go by, it may be the time he is set to pop off. (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)10 of 11
3. ### Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino was selected to play up top for Arsenal against West Ham
A goal! However, it was perhaps more fortuitous than it was self-made but the finish was definitely a piece of encouragement for anyone concerned that when a chance eventually does come that he might have trouble taking it. Now it will be about the service. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)11 of 11