After stitching an incredible winning run early in the season, Arsenal have now won just one of their last three games, losing ground at the top of the table. They are fresh from a draw against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before the international break which dropped them to the 4th place in the table. And it will only get tougher this weekend as Wenger will now take his team to face his bitter rival in Jose Mourinho. Manchester United are 6th in the points table and are is search of some consistency making Arsenal slight favorites but taking even a point from Old Trafford can be hard on certain days. Wenger will go with a full strength first team for this game but there are a number of stars missing for both teams for this game. Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Team News:
The manager was given a boost after Chile international Alexis Sanchez revealed that he is fit for the clash against Manchester United after the WC qualifier against Argentina. However, he will have further scans on his thigh on Saturday to decide his place in the game. The likes of Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker, Lucas Perez, and Chuba Akpom are not available for this game while Santi Cazorla and Hector Bellerin are nursing recent injuries and will not travel with the squad.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech has been in fine form this season and will have to play a huge role for Arsenal against Manchester United.
Carl Jenkinson:
Losing Bellerin to a cruel injury, Wenger has to give Jenkinson or Debuchy their first league game this season and it might be time for the manager to start testing the 24-year-old January buy at Old Trafford.
Laurent Koscielny:
The French international has been one of the best defenders in the league this season and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The summer-buy for Wenger has been solid at the back so far this season but he will face his toughest task yet when Arsenal travel to Manchester.
Nacho Monreal:
Playing away from home, Arsenal need a bit of protection at the back and Wenger will chose Monreal over Gibbs for this game for that precise reason.
Francis Coquelin:
Injuries to key players have seen Coquelin cement a place in the starting XI and he should start this game against Manchester United.
Granit Xhaka:
Though has some problems with his discipline, Xhaka is a game changer and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Theo Walcott:
Having a tremendous season so far, Walcott, will have to play an important role on the flank if Arsenal are to take anything from this game.
Mesut Ozil:
Arguably the player of the season so far for Arsenal, Ozil is also the most important player for the side for this game and should be at his best if the Gunners are to take home more than a point.
Alex Iwobi:
The youngster has been decent on the left wing for Arsenal this season and lack of personnel will see him start this game at the weekend.
Olivier Giroud:
Though Alexis Sanchez declared himself fit, Wenger will know that he might even be ready to play with pain and should not risk him for this game leaving Olivier Giroud with one of his few first team places early this season.