Wilshere In, Cazorla Out – Strongest Arsenal Lineup That Can Stand Toe-to-toe With Manchester United

Arsenal vs Manchester United Predicted Lineup

Arsenal welcome Manchester United in what could be a defining game in the fortunes of both clubs this campaign. Arsenal languish in 6th place with 17 points while the side from Old Trafford are a point behind in 7th. The interesting aspect of this fixture is that both these footballing powerhouses look at their vulnerable best, sketching identical trajectories this season. Both have been devastated by a series of injuries at the back which has led to some ludicrous and irresponsible defensive displays. Both have an outstanding array of attacking talent yet to fulfill their full potential this season, and Saturday’s fixture, unlike a classic Arsenal-United game, reeks more of vulnerability and less of tradition and glory.

Let’s try and put ourselves in Arsene Wenger’s shoes and predict the eleven men who will take the field against Louis van Gaal’s side.

Goalkeeper – Wozceich Szczesny

The Polish No.1 will be pumped up after his National side triumphed over Germany during the international break. Can that form translate to the Premier League?

Defence – Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker, Gibbs.

Calum Chambers had a shocker against Swansea as Jefferson Montero toyed with the former Southampton defender. Nacho Monreal looked out of his depth at centre back, meaning the return of youngster Hector Bellerin to the starting lineup. Bellerin is s natural right back and despite his inexperience, should be better adept at dealing with the pace of Angel Di Maria or Adnan Januzaj but Wenger may also go with experienced Monreal, who was unimpressive in last few games. Chambers should shift to central defence alongside Per Mertesacker with Kieron Gibbs playing left back.

Midfield – Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere.

Mathieu Flamini has looked below par this season and Arsenal desperately need a leader in the middle of the park in the form of Mikel Arteta. Arteta does look suspect in a defensive midfield role, but has the ability to find the forward passes and give the team some much needed attacking thrust. Aaron Ramsey will be asked to do the basics right on Saturday evening, with Rooney and Mata hovering around, allowing Wilshere’s creative instincts to come into play further forward. Cazorla who literally forgot how to score a goal , should start from the bench, he can come in second half to inject more creativity into the side.

Attack – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez, Danny Welbeck.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has that burst of pace which could unsettle a shaky United backline, and should start on the left wing while the electric Alexis Sanchez should start on the right. Danny Welbeck has been a guaranteed starter so far this season, but with Olivier Giroud not far from a first team return, the England international will look to get back to scoring ways against his boyhood club.

Arsenal vs Manchester United Predicted Lineup

Szczesny

Bellerin   Chambers    Mertesacker   Gibbs.

Arteta        Ramsey

Wilshere

Sanchez              Welbeck     Chamberlain