Manchester United vs Arsenal: Arsenal have a task cut out against Manchester United as they hope for a victory.
Arsenal will prepare to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday. It has been an average start for both the clubs, with the hosts and visitors sitting on 8 and 11 points respectively.
A victory would elevate the Gunners to the third spot, and Unai Emery will be hoping to bring his horrendous top six record on road to a conclusion against the injury-plagued Manchester United side. In the reverse fixture last year, United’s old boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the equalizer to hold the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw.
It has not been a calamitous start by any means for Arsenal, but there’s still room for improvement to develop. Reminiscent to last season, the Gunners are susceptible in the defensive department of the game, but they have racked up goals at the other end by outscoring the opposition.
Since the hosts are hapless with multiple injuries, Arsenal are the favourites. To validate this point, we shall look at three reasons why Arsenal could defeat the Red Devils on Monday.
#3 Gunners likely to win midfield battle
Unai Emery sticks with experienced midfield for a big away clash. The Spaniard will deploy Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi, and Dani Ceballos in the midfield department.
The Gunners midfield doesn’t sound much promising, but the hosts will be without Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has been blowing hot and cold in his second stint as Red Devils player. However, his talent cannot be questioned as he has shown glimpses in these three seasons.
Solskjaer wants his midfielders to work hard, while Unai Emery sets up his midfielders to move the ball fastly as they build up attacks from the back. Matteo Guendouzi is an excellent ball carrier and Dani Ceballos can set up his teammates. The Spaniard also has the ability to pinch balls off opponent’s legs because of high-voltage pressing.
Scott McTominay is agile, while Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard have slowed down recently. The Scottish will be crucial, but Arsenal have enough quality to bloom in this area.
#2 Solskjaer has injury troubles
Manchester United are hit with multiple injuries. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Luke Shaw for this contest. It means that the Norwegian will be forced to deploy a younger team on paper in the hopes of getting something out of the game.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be without their striker, Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman will sit out until this month’s end, but some of his teammates have recovered. Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are unlikely to start, but they will warm the bench.
Since the Red Devils have none of their experienced forwards in their starting lineup, it will be tough for them to find the back of the net. Young Mason Greenwood has been on a scoring spree by finding the back of the net against Astana and Rochdale. However, it remains to be seen if the teenager would be able to cope up with the physicality of David Luiz and Sokratis.
Since Arsenal defence is the weakest of all their department, the absence of Martial and Rashford will come as a huge boost. However, they have to work in the forward line and break down their opponents.
#1 Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is in hot form
Arsenal’s talisman Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has not disappointed this season. The Gabonese International has scored six times this season and he’s always provided with the much-needed creativity in the final third.
Many fans might point the fingers at Nicolas Pepe, but the Ivorian has been on his toes to cause a wreck in the process before the final third lets him down. If the Ivorian manages to click alongside Aubameyang, the Gunners will have a formidable attacking department.
In addition to Nicolas Pepe, Unai Emery is likely to play the young Saka through the left-wing. He has been impressive and has notched up goals in recent game weeks. Dani Ceballos is a creative outlet and he wouldn’t disappoint if he manages to click against a relatively weakened midfield opposition.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are not at their best, and this will come as a piece of huge news for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who threatens with his late runs behind the defenders.
