Manchester United take on Arsenal in their Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford today.
The Red Devils are winless in their last five league encounters against the Gunners and have the opportunity to end the streak.
Manager Ruben Amorim is likely to choose a different XI from the 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, and we anticipate at least three changes.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has returned to full training after a hamstring injury, and he could be drafted straight into the starting XI ahead of Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir was superb in the FA third round win over Arsenal in January with six saves. He also denied Martin Odegaard from the penalty spot in normal time.
Despite this, Amorim could go with Onana over Bayindir. The latter has looked vulnerable against the high press and tends to squander possession.
In defence, it could be the same back three from the Fiorentina friendly.
Leny Yoro has been a mainstay on the right side of central defence and should be a guaranteed starter.
We would personally choose Harry Maguire over Matthijs de Ligt in the middle of the back three, given his strong aerial prowess to handle Arsenal’s set-piece and corner threat.
Amorim prefers a left-footed centre-back on the left side of the back three. Ayden Heaven should get the nod over Luke Shaw based on his recent display against La Viola.
Heaven had a passing accuracy of 98 percent with 100 percent of his overall duels won. The 18-year-old will be determined to prove a point against his former employers.
Amad Diallo has been a mainstay at right wing-back for most of pre-season and should be a shoo-in in the XI. The same can be said for Patrick Dorgu in the left wing-back role.
The Dane has become a more complete player in the position. He has found a better balance in attack and defence, and should make the XI ahead of Diogo Dalot today.
Bruno Fernandes is guaranteed to feature in the number eight role, but he will need better protection.
Casemiro’s reduced mobility probably means that Manuel Ugarte will start as the number six, though United may pursue an upgrade on the Uruguayan in the coming weeks.
Ugarte has also been guilty of losing regular possession and must step up against Arsenal.
Further forward, Amorim has an easy decision to make. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are poised to start as the attacking midfielders against the north London heavyweights.
Benjamin Sesko was training regularly at RB Leipzig and has got a few sessions with United since his arrival. He had a behind-closed-doors game against the Under-21s in midweek.
The Slovenian looks poised to lead the attack ahead of Mason Mount, who played as a false nine last weekend. Rasmus Hojlund seems on the cusp of leaving United with AC Milan agreeing terms.
How Man Utd could line up vs Arsenal