A struggling Manchester United will take on a title-challenging Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday from 9 PM IST onwards.
Old Trafford will see the two rivals who have embarked on two completely different journeys this season so far – while the Gunners will be keen to keep the pressure on Manchester City, the Red Devils are currently enduring their worst-ever season in Premier League history.
For the home side, this season is all but done and dusted. Barring an FA Cup final in which they face cross-town rivals Manchester City, manager Erik ten Hag has nothing to show for except a series of humiliating losses that have thrown a lot of questions about his abilities and if he is the right man to continue leading the club from the sidelines.
On the other hand, the Londoners roll into town hoping to keep the pressure on City, whom they currently lead by a point but they also have played a game more than their nearest rivals.
As such, Arsenal would desperately want to beat United and also hope that the Sky Blues drop points between now and the end of the season for them to win the Premier League trophy for the first time in 20 years.
Current Form
Manchester United is coming into the clash on the back of an embarrassing 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace. Michael Olise bagged a brace while Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell scored the other goals in the rout in London.
The Red Devils also have just 1 win in their last 5 games which also includes 3 draws and 1 defeat.
Arsenal are in a different momentum altogether, having beaten Bournemouth 0-3 in their last clash. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Declan Rice found the back of the net at the Emirates Stadium in that fixture, ensuring the Gunners picked up their 4th win on the trot.
Manager Mikel Arteta has done a stunning job, which is evident by the fact that they have notched up 83 points so far and top the league both in terms of goals scored (88) and least goals conceded (28).
Head to Head Record
The two sides have faced each other 237 times, with United comfortably leading the race with 101 wins to their name while Arsenal only have 88 victories to claim.
In their last league clash, the Gunners made short work of the Manchester-based side as they thrashed them 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus were on target for them, while Marcus Rashford scored the only goal for the Red Devils.
However, victory at Old Trafford has come very rarely for Arsenal – with their last being nearly 4 years ago when the stadiums were without a soul.
Team News
Erik ten Hag has been under a lot of fire this year and injuries haven’t helped him so far
Injuries have been a persistent problem for Erik ten Hag this season, and he could miss out on as many as 11 first-team players due to unavailability. Bruno Fernandes suffered a wrist injury and his absence presented a gaping hole in United’s midfield against Palace, but he is likely to be fit for this fixture.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Martial are also all doubtful. The crisis does not end there though for United as Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, and Willy Kambwala will also not be available due to injuries. However, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have just returned to training and could be in the starting XI.
For Arsenal, Jurrien Timber is a concern because of his knee injury but others are healthy and available to start.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Casemiro, Johnny Evans, Diogo Dalot; Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard
Prediction
Arsenal comes into town as the overwhelming favorites without a shadow of a doubt, especially with the kind of form and the injury crisis United is currently facing.
Arteta’s men have their sights set on the title and anything other than a win will cost them the little hope that they have to stop Manchester City from winning their fourth Premier League title in a row.