Manchester United will lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, hoping to pick up a positive result away from home. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool, whereas the Gunners recorded a stunning 4-2 victory over Chelsea.
Team News
Things aren’t looking on the injury front for Manchester United as up to six players could be out for the game against Arsenal, namely – Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani.
“He pulled his calf muscle. As it seems right now, this will not be an injury like the one Fred has, which will be gone in one week. I fear that Paul will not be available for [the] Arsenal or Chelsea [games].” – Rangnick said in his post-match press conference on Tuesday night.
Ralf Rangnick will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. Raphael Varane might get the nod over Victor Lindelof in defence, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo seems likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Arsenal
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Spanish shot-stopper would look to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Raphael Varane is expected to start at the heart of United’s backline, with skipper Harry Maguire slotting into the right-centre back position. Diogo Dalot should start at the right-back position, whereas Alex Telles will fill in on the other flank as the left-back.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Jesse Lingard will slot in as the central midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for Manchester United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up a win on Saturday.
Juan Mata will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the second half of the contest if needed.
Attack
Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga will take up the wide positions, causing menace for Mikel Arteta’s men down the left and right-wing, respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United this weekend. The 37-year-old striker’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the Arsenal defence that has conceded eight goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.