By Graham Ruthven
A story of two rivals
Each conflict between Arsenal and Manchester United evokes reminiscences of the times when the 2 rivals went head-to-head for titles and trophies. Certainly, the period of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger stays a spectre round this fixture.
After all, so much has modified since then, definitely within the case of United who’re focusing on a optimistic finish to the season merely to elevate the negativity that has thickened the air at Outdated Trafford in latest instances.
Rúben Amorim’s crew have misplaced 5 of their final seven league house matches and face a sixth defeat in eight in opposition to an Arsenal crew which may not win the title this season, however are no less than on the proper finish of the Premier League desk.
The Gunners have their very own troubles to take care of, particularly accidents to a variety of key attacking gamers, however Mikel Arteta’s crew put seven previous PSV mid-week and can play on the entrance foot at Outdated Trafford. They want three factors to maintain their fading title hopes alive.
Key gamers
The place would Amorim’s crew be with out Bruno Fernandes? From a Manchester United perspective, it doesn’t bear enthusiastic about. Certainly, the Portuguese midfielder has steadily been The Pink Devils’ saviour this season, most not too long ago scoring in opposition to Fulham and Everton.
Alejandro Garnacho is the opposite attacker United have who persistently supplies a spark within the last third, though the Argentine winger is a doubt for Sunday’s match after coming off early in opposition to Actual Sociedad with a knock.
Diogo Dalot will give the house crew a funnel into the assault down the left facet whereas Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will seemingly make up the again three. They are going to be charged with stopping an Arsenal assault that ran rampant in opposition to PSV.
Arteta might nicely re-use the lineup that began within the Netherlands, not least as a result of accidents imply he doesn’t have many different choices to make modifications.
The onus will likely be on Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice to hitch assaults from midfield, though Ethan Nwaneri has impressed not too long ago as Arsenal’s first-choice right-sided ahead within the absence of Bukayo Saka.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba stay the strongest centre again pairing within the Premier League whereas David Raya is among the finest goalkeepers. Arsenal’s defensive basis is as strong as ever.
Group information
Patrick Dorgu is unavailable for Sunday’s match by way of suspension following his purple card in opposition to Ipswich City. This implies Dalot will nearly definitely begin because the left-sided wing again in Amorim’s system.
Maguire and Manuel Ugarte each missed the Europa League draw in opposition to Actual Sociedad throughout the week and will likely be assessed earlier than going through Arsenal. Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martínez, Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo will miss out, however Chido Obi may face his former facet.
Arsenal’s latest harm troubles have been well-documented they usually gained’t ease earlier than Sunday. Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined.
Prediction
Arsenal to inflict one other weekend of distress on United, however solely simply: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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