Match Previews

Match Preview: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Two teams on opposite trajectories meet in the pick of the midweek Premier League clashes.

Galvanising his club since arriving in the summer, Unai Emery visits Old Trafford for the first time as Arsenal boss – while it may the final time José Mourinho strides out as United managed in the Theatre of Dreams.

A night that could signify a lot for both teams is sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

Kick-off: 20:00 [GMT]
Venue: Old Trafford
Referee: Andre Marriner

The Gunners

Position: 4th

Form: WWWDD

Top scorer: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang [8]

Most assists: Héctor Bellerín/Aaron Ramsey [4]

One to watch: Alexandre Lacazette

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Konstantinos Mavropanos – groin (day to day)
  • Nacho Monreal – hamstring (two weeks)
  • Mesut Özil – back (late fitness test)
  • Danny Welbeck – ankle (next season)

Expected lineup

(3-4-2-1) Leno; Mustafi, Sokratis, Holding; Bellerín, Torreira, Xhaka, Kolašinac; Mkhitaryan, Iwobi; Aubameyang.

Key quote

“It’s a new match, a new challenge, a big challenge. It’s away and we need to continue improving our mentality away. We know we need to change to get more competitive away. I think the team is doing that, but it’s a new challenge because we’re going to play against Manchester United away, and the challenge is bigger than other matches.” – Unai Emery

Next match: Huddersfield Town [H] 8/12/18

The Red Devils

Talking points

Yet another frustrating draw against opposition which should easily be dealt with by United came on Saturday night, as Southampton were gifted a point – courtesy of a sloppy Mourinho side.

Pressure is on for the Portuguese boss, and an increased injury list will not help his chances – but he consistently grabs results against Arsenal when needed.

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Eric Bailly – back (one week)
  • Victor Lindelöf – hamstring (two weeks)
  • Alexis Sánchez – hamstring (six weeks)
  • Chris Smalling – foot (unknown)
  • Luke Shaw – knock (day to day)
  • Ashley Young – five yellow cards (next match)

Expected lineup

(4-3-3) De Gea; Dalot, Jones, Rojo, Young; Matić, Fellaini, Pogba; Lingard, Lukaku, Martial.

Key quote

We don’t need a miracle [to finish in the top four] at all. I think we need a good run of results and we don’t need to waste points where we shouldn’t be wasting them. – José Mourinho

Next match: Fulham [H] 8/12/18

Potential key battles

Anthony Martial vs Rob Holding

Paul Pogba vs Lucas Torreira

Phil Jones vs Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Match facts [credit: FotMob]

  • United are closer in terms of points to the bottom of the Premier League table than the top (14 compared to 16)
  • Arsenal have scored in each of their last six outings on the road
  • The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 11 versions of this specific fixture
  • The Gunners have scored 24 goals in the second half of top-flight encounters this season; more than any other side

Enjoy the match!



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