Arsenal will brace themselves for a tough challenge ahead as they lock horns with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Gunners have lost their way a bit following a promising start to their league campaign but will be hoping for a turnaround with a win over the Red Devils. A comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundalk in midweek should give them the much-needed heading into this game.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Manchester United
Defence
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that David Luiz is a major doubt for this weekend’s Manchester United clash. It means the Spaniard will have to continue with Shkodran Mustafi as other options including Pablo Mari and Rob Holding are sidelined while Calum Chambers is still not fully fit.
Arteta will, however, recall Gabriel Magalhaes back into the starting lineup. The Brazilian is set to partner Mustafi at the heart of the four-man backline, with Sead Kolasinac returning to the bench.
Hector Bellerin is also expected to make his return to the setup, replacing Cedric Soares at right-back while Kieran Tierney should come in for Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the opposite flank. Both these players were rested in midweek’s Europa League fixture against Dundalk.
Bernd Leno is another player expected to make his return after making way for Runar Alex Runarsson in the last game. The German will be searching for a much-needed clean sheet this weekend.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka might not feature in the starting eleven for Arsenal on Sunday due to the presence of Thomas Partey. The marquee signing from Atletico Madrid is expected to operate in the holding midfield role, looking to keep a close eye on Bruno Fernandes.
Partey is set to be supported by Dani Ceballos in the middle of the park, with Bukayo Saka operating in a slightly wider role. The Englishman will be key in Arsenal’s chance creation, and his combination play with Tierney on the left flank is one of the things worth looking forward to this weekend.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette is tipped to return to the number nine role for Arsenal despite consistently failing to find the back of the net. That said, there is a possibility that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might drift in centrally more, with Saka acting almost as a left-winger.
Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson is making a strong case for being included in the starting eleven after a great performance against Dundalk. Unfortunately, Arteta is likely going to continue with Nicolas Pepe, although Willian is another option.
