Predicted Arsenal line-up to face Manchester United in the FA Cup
Arsenal take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Manchester United side on Friday night in the hopes of becoming the first side to hand them a defeat since Solskjaer’s appointment as the Red Devils boss.
Man United are back in the race for a top-four finish, having won all seven games since the former Manchester United striker’s arrival, with numerous stars re-discovering their form.
The Gunners, on the other hand, haven’t had the same luck, with them losing four out of their last 10 games in all competitions. However, the FA Cup is another animal so the clash, which is the 229th time the two sides face each other, should be an interesting one.
Team News
While Arsenal did manage a win against Chelsea, it came at a big cost. Right-back Hector Bellerin suffered an ACL tear, which puts him out of action for at least six months. The Spaniard joins Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding in the physio’s room.
Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil are both fit and available.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 3-4-2
Manager: Unai Emery
Petr Cech (GK)
While the former Chelsea star is set to retire at the end of the current season, he still remains a viable option and has been Unai Emery’s cup goalkeeper.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
The German international was dropped against Chelsea but with an injury to Hector Bellerin, he could be recalled to add more strength to the back-line.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)
Excellent against Chelsea, the Greek international should keep his place in Unai Emery’s potential back-three against Manchester United.
Laurent Koscielny (CB)
Another solid display and a goal from the Arsenal captain ensures his place in the back-line and Arsenal fans would hope that he continues his form.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (RWB)
The 35-year-old was brought in as cover for Bellerin and with the Spaniard injured, Lichsteiner is the next in line and should make an appearance on Friday.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Alongside Lucas Torreira, the Swiss international has a key presence in Unai Emery’s side, even deputising as a left-back at times.
Lucas Torreira (CM)
One of Arsenal’s best players this season, the former Sampdoria man’s presence in the midfield will be crucial against the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
The former Schalke man has been a threat down the left-hand-side on more than one occasion and should continue to be so against the Red Devils.
Mesut Ozil (RW)
While Ozil has been dropped by Arsenal manager Unai Emery over the last month or so, the German international is one of their most creative players and should finally see some game time against Manchester United.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
His speed and lethal finishing do make him a must-have, but the Gabon striker has been misfiring of late, which is why the FA Cup allows him a chance to get back on track.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman has been in good form this season and he seems to be linking up well with Aubameyang too. Expect him to lead the line.
