Manchester United will clash heads with Arsenal at Old Trafford as both teams look to secure a positive result on Sunday evening. The Red Devils managed to earn a dominant 5-0 win over Red Bull Leipzig in midweek which will keep them in high spirits for this upcoming home encounter. Similarly, the Gunners will come into this game on the back of a 3-0 victory over Dundalk in the UEFA Europa League, so their confidence will be high when they lock horns with the Mancunian outfit this weekend.
Talking Tactics
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for a 4-4-2 (diamond) formation so that his players can dominate the midfield battle and cook up some clear-cut chances to score during the 90 minutes. Man United would be wise to play on the counter using the creativity of Bruno Fernandes, and the pace of Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford up top.
Mikel Arteta will set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation and will ask his men to press high up the field so that they can win possession back quickly and cause a few problems for the Red Devils defenders in the final third.
Team News
Manchester United
Anthony Martial remains suspended for this game while Alex Telles was recently tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, which will keep him out of action for a while.
Manchester United Predicted XI
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay, Pogba; Fernandes; Greenwood, Rashford
Arsenal
David Luiz and Callum Chambers are both unlikely to recover in time for this clash on the road. However, Bukayo Saka should be available for selection once again after sustaining a knock earlier this month.
Arsenal Predicted XI
Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Thomas, Xhaka; Willian, Aubameyang, Saka
Key Men
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes will be Man United’s primary creator of goal-scoring opportunities in the opposition half. Hence, his performance and effectiveness throughout the 90 minutes could very well end up determining the outcome of this contest. However, all eyes will be on Marcus Rashford after his hattrick as a second-half substitute in midweek. He will be hungry to score more goals when he laces up to face off against the Gunners this weekend.
Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will once again carry most of the goal-scoring burden in the attacking third. The Gabonese international needs to step up and deliver a productive performance for his team. Thomas Partey will be desperate to have a good game on Sunday as he tries to restrict the opposition from creating too many meaningful openings in midfield.
Odds
The Red Devils have been listed at 21/20 to emerge victorious this weekend while the draw has been priced at 27/10. The North London giants are 13/5 underdogs to come away with maximum points from the Theatre of Dreams.