Arsenal take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at the famous Old Trafford stadium. The top four are still in contention for the title with just 6 points separating them. United on the other hand have struggled recently but are still within touching distance of a Champions League spot with just 6 points separating the two Manchester clubs. Arsenal sit third in the table after a moral boosting win against the table toppers Leicester City. Although the Gunners did lose to Barcelona on Tuesday night in what was an energy sapping evening.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Cech’ presence between the sticks has proven time and time again this season that how important a goalkeeper is to a win. He was brilliant again on Tuesday night making an excellent stop to deny Neymar early in the second half.
Defenders: Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Bellerin
With Paulista still unavailable, surely Wenger will start with the back four that started against Barcelona. All four of them were brilliant against the attacking threat of Barcelona, other than a momentary lapse of concentration which led to the first goal. Mertesacker was guilty of a bad clearance inside his own half which led to Barca winning the penalty, but other than that, both the central defenders worked their socks off and made some crucial tackles. Same goes for Monreal and Bellerin, who were up against the world’s best wingers but remained solid for the majority of the match.
Midfielders: Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott
The worry for Wenger right now is the form of his star player Sanchez, who has struggled since his return from injury. However he is unlikely to be rested and should start on the left wing. Chamberlain’s injury at the end, should see fellow countryman Walcott starting in his place. Ozil will start right behind the striker and will look to continue from where he left off against Leicester City. Coquelin and Ramsey were both superb against Barca till the opener went in. They should maintain their place in the XI, given how bad Flamini was after he came on to replace Coquelin.
Striker: Danny Welbeck
With Giroud struggling to find the net currently, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Welback starting up front for Arsenal against his former club. His goal against United in the FA Cup last year at Old Trafford should give him confidence going into this match.
