Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Manchester United
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were dealt a huge blow in their race to the top-4 when they fell to a demoralising defeat at the hands of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. It does not get any easier for the club as they are now up against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, who are now unbeaten in the last 24 league games.
The Red Devils are fresh from a draw with Swansea and have a weakened squad ahead of this tie. Wenger will know that his side have a shot at taking all 3 points from this tie at the Emirates. However, he will need his side to be at their best in this game.
Team News
Santi Cazorla is the only long term injury for Wenger ahead of this tie. Lucas Perez and Shkodran Mustafi both missed the game against the Spurs but could find a place on the bench for this tie.
Probable Arsenal Playing XI:
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Petr Cech
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech was brilliant against Tottenham. If it were not for him, the scoreline would have been a lot worse. He will start this important game.
CB – Gabriel
With Mustafi still not completely fit, Wenger should use Gabriel on the right side of his back three.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
The French defender is among the best in the business at the moment and he will be up against the likes of Marcus Rashford, who is in prime form.
CB – Rob Holding
Though Monreal was used in this position last time out, he was not able to keep the Spurs at bay and Wenger should try Holding in this position for this home tie.
RM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The versatile Englishman has extensively been used as a wing-back by Wenger in this new formation and he should start on the right flank in this game.
CM – Granit Xhaka
Though not impressive in the previous outing, Xhaka adds the physicality in the midfield for Arsenal which they will need against a team like Manchester United.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
Played the whole 90 minutes against Spurs but to no effect. Though he is defensively shambolic, with not too many exciting options in this position, Wenger should stick with the Welshman for this game.
LM – Nacho Monreal
The Spanish full-back had a difficult game against Tottenham in the previous game but he remains a rock-solid option on the left and will surely start this game for Arsenal.
RW – Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker has not been able to show consistency whenever necessary. But he has a great chance to help the Gunners to a victory this weekend.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean winger was frustrated on the night at the White Hart Lane but playing at home, he will be the danger man for Arsenal.
ST – Olivier Giroud
With Welbeck not showing enough promise, Wenger will hope that Giroud’s big game mentality can help them get past United in this crunch clash.