Manchester United vs Arsenal | Premier League
Manchester United welcome title-chasing Arsenal to Old Trafford in a Sunday installation of the Premier League. Much like the phenomenon of the aurora borealis that lit up yesterday evening’s night sky, United will need a touch of marvel to overcome the capitulation of Selhurst Park on Monday.
With three league fixtures remaining in what has been a horrific campaign for Erik ten Hag and the legion of Reds across the globe, the 20-time domestic kingpins sit eighth in the table and face the prospect of a campaign without European qualification.
In contrast, Mikel Arteta’s side is flying high and holds a one-point lead at the head of the table – albeit they have played an additional fixture on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Ten Hag has been preparing for this fixture in the knowledge that he will need to rely once more on a central defensive partnership without the likes of Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, and Willy Kambwala, yet some people would try and convince you that this shouldn’t come into the equation.
Team news
Following Friday’s managerial press conference, Ten Hag supplied injury updates on several first-team squad members. Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay returned to first-team training at Carrington following Marcus Rashford’s appearance on Thursday.
Mason Mount picked up a slight issue in Thursday’s session, ruling the injury-ravaged number seven out of contention.
Additionally, Martínez has endured a frustrating campaign through three separate setbacks but has now partaken in first-team sessions. However, despite his eagerness to return to action, the Dutchman has confirmed he requires additional time.
“Yesterday Licha came to me, and he wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal, but he is not ready yet,” Ten Hag told reporters. “He needs a little bit more time to go through the process.”
Key Information
Despite the misfortune surrounding this United squad and the ominous threat the Gunners bring to Manchester, the Reds have lost just one of the last 16 Premier League meetings at Old Trafford against the Londoners ( a 1-0 defeat in November 2020).
United are aiming to avoid a first league-double defeat against their opponents since the 2006/07 season, following a 3-1 defeat in North London in the reverse fixture played in September.
This Arsenal side has been scoring for fun of late. Historically, they have found the net in each of their last nine league visits to the Theatre of Dreams.
André Onana was rewarded with Save of the Month for April and will need to be at his blistering best tomorrow, with an expectation for another makeshift defensive unit.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled to get underway at 16:30 BST. Do you think Manchester United can upset Arteta’s title-chasing side? Let us know in the comments below.
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