Manchester United v Arsenal-2
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal begin their Premier League season this afternoon with a blockbuster clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Gunners, who have finished runners-up in each of the past three campaigns, are determined to finally end their long wait for a league title.
Mikel Arteta’s side face a daunting opening schedule, with fixtures against United, Leeds United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle United in their first six games. Despite the challenge ahead, Arsenal are focused on making a strong start by securing three points against their fiercest rivals.
Today’s clash promises to be a battle of new strikers. Arsenal’s £64m signing Viktor Gyokeres is set to make his Premier League debut following his prolific spell at Sporting CP, while United are pinning their hopes on Benjamin Sesko, who arrived last week in a £73.7m deal.
READ MORE: Troy Deeney questions whether Viktor Gyokeres can deliver for Arsenal
The Slovenian forward joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Ruben Amorim’s new-look attack. Interestingly, Sesko was once Arsenal’s top target, while United had explored a move for Gyokeres before the Swede opted for the Emirates.
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👹 Ruben Amorim gives debuts to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Striker Benjamin Sesko is on the bench.
⚪️🔴 Viktor Gyokeres starts for Arsenal. There is also a debut for Martin Zubimendi in midfield.
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United, however, have suffered a major setback with first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana ruled out of the match. The Cameroonian, who picked up a hamstring injury in July, has not recovered in time and will be replaced by Altay Bayindir. Onana has managed just three training sessions since his lay-off and continues to work on his fitness at Carrington.
Andre Onana
Andre Onana (Image credit: Getty Images)
Bayindir, who impressed when United knocked Arsenal out of last season’s FA Cup, saving penalties from Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, will make his 12th competitive appearance for the club. Tom Heaton provides additional cover on the bench.
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Arsenal head into the game with an unchanged side from their 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup last weekend.
Arsenal XI vs Manchester United: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
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