By Alex Roberts
Arsenal got here out 2-0 winners the final time these sides met in December, with each objectives, after all, coming from corners. United haven’t precisely acknowledged their defensive frailties since then, failing to win of their final 5 video games throughout all competitions.
Mikel Arteta will likely be intent on making up for his or her midweek League Cup woes, having misplaced the first-leg of their semifinal 2-0 to Newcastle United on Tuesday.
It’s a cliché for a cause
Within the defeat to Newcastle, it had by no means been clearer simply how a lot Arteta’s aspect have been in dire want of a ‘conventional’ quantity 9. Alexander Isak tore them aside, whereas Kai Havertz was largely ineffectual on the different finish.
Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to clinch the Premier League title within the final two seasons have usually been attributed to their lack of a participant like Isak. It’s no shock, then, that the Swedish worldwide has been linked with a transfer to the membership.
Sure, Havertz has had his moments, and will very properly rating a hattrick in opposition to Man United on Sunday, however in the long term, it’s a place Arsenal want to handle.
A uncommon shiny spark
Amad Diallo has rightfully been awarded a brand new contract at Man United, maintaining him at Outdated Trafford till the summer season of 2030, together with his earlier deal set to run out on the finish of this season.
After scoring the winner within the Manchester Derby win over Man Metropolis, a purpose within the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham, and now the equaliser within the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Diallo has turn into Amorim’s man for the large events.
Each Diallo and United have saved their finest performances for the ‘huge six’ this season, and Arsenal must be cautious.
Hale Finish’s newest Starboy
Left-back has been a difficulty for Arsenal this season. Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been out and in of the aspect as a result of varied harm points, and regardless of his return, Keiran Tierney doesn’t appear to have a future on the membership, trying set to go away the membership on a free on the finish of the season.
Up stepped Myles Lewis-Skelly. His efficiency within the defeat to Newcastle was typical of an 18-year-old defender, perhaps somewhat naïve, however prepared to place the work in and study from these round him.
He’s already made 13 appearances throughout all competitions this season, seemingly incomes the belief of Arteta. Ethan Nwanari could also be getting all of the headlines, however Lewis-Skelly could be the subsequent huge factor.
An fascinating goalkeeping determination
Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayındır shall be enjoying between the sticks as a substitute of first-choice André Onana, elevating a load of issues among the many followers who noticed his efficiency within the current defeat to Tottenham.
Past the most important statistic of all, the 4 objectives he conceded, the Turkish shot-stopper had one error that led to a purpose, a 61% cross accuracy fee, and a dismal 17% lengthy ball accuracy fee.
It could be a protracted day for Bayındır.
Prediction
It’s going to proceed to get quite a bit worse earlier than it will get higher for Amorim at United, if it does in any respect, this season at the least. We’re going to go together with a 3-1 Arsenal win.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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