The biggest game of Matchweek 11 will be the earliest one on Saturday when Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford. Despite United missing out on major players for the match it is not going to be an easy game for the Gunners as Arsene Wenger’s side are winless against United in Premier League for over a decade now.
Their last win at Old Trafford came in September 2006 when Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal. The other win was in an FA Cup triumph in 2015 when Danny Welbeck scored the winner. Another big psychological block will be Wenger’s record against Jose Mourinho. The Frenchman has won just 1 in 15 meetings, which came in the Community Shield.
Team news
Manchester United
Manchester United have many concerns regarding their attack. Star forward Wayne Rooney, having pulled out of the England squad through injury, will join their No.9 Zlatan Ibrahimović remains suspended. Apart from them, centre-backs Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling will also miss Arsenal’s visit through injury. Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia will also be absent as they are also recovering from illness.
Arsenal
Although Arsenal have a comparatively better team with many first team players ready for the match, they will have big absentees in Hector Bellerin and Santiago Cazorla in the team. Wenger will also have their Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez available despite playing 80 minutes for Chile last week. Long-term absentees for Arsenal are Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Lucas Perez.
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Rojo, Blind; Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba; Mata, Rooney; Rashford
Arsenal XI: Cech; Jenkinson, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Xhaka; Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi; Sanchez
Key Players
Manchester United
With a host of players missing from the squad, Mourinho will have to rely on his centre-forward Juan Mata, who has shown glimpses of brilliance this season. Paul Pogba will be banked on heavily for the game after the French International scored back to back goals for the club and his country. With almost no forwards, Mourinho will be hoping Marcus Rashford will put in a similar performance this game as he did in his debut league match where he scored a brace against the Gunners.
Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez will be a huge presence in the game. After two cracking goals in Chilean colours, Wenger expects him to draw the first blood when these giants meet. Mesut Ozil will be the focal point of the team as he was rested in the international break, he is expected to give more than 100%. Theo Walcott will be expected to increase his goal tally after he has remained goalless for quite a few matches.
Odds
Manchester United: 6/4
Draw: 9/4
Arsenal: 2/1
