Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday as they look to avenge their only league defeat of the season.
The Gunners felt hard done by back in September as they were beaten 3-1 by the Red Devils, with a highly contentious disallowed goal proving a pivotal point in the match. It’s likely that by the time Arsenal kick off, their lead at the top will have been cut to two points, albeit having played two games fewer than Manchester City.
That is sure to ramp up the pressure with the visitors harbouring title aspirations of their own. Unlike their opponents though, who are missing Casemiro, Mikel Arteta goes into the side with no fresh selection concerns.
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners with a dominant performance against Tottenham last time out and could stick with the same XI this weekend. The big question mark comes in the form of Leandro Trossard, who could be introduced following his £27million move from Brighton.
Here’s how Mirror Football thinks Arsenal will lineup for the visit of a rejuvenated Manchester United.
Goalkeepers and defenders - Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Not too much to say about this area of the pitch. Aaron Ramsdale was in the headlines after the win over Spurs, but only because he was kicked by a fan who has since been arrested.
There’s no lasting damage to the Arsenal stopper and he will have a steady back four in front of him. Ben White will have his hands full with Marcus Rashford, while the two central defenders have a bruising encounter with Wout Weghorst to look forward to.
Midfielders - Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka
There is a strong case to make that Martin Odegaard has been the best player in the entire Premier League this season. His goal against Spurs was the latest sign of his growing influence on a side full of confidence under his leadership.
Had his formative years gone differently, Odegaard may have been lining up for United, who failed with two approaches to sign him as a teenager. As it happened, he will now be plotting the downfall of the Red Devils, flanked by Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka who will look to dominate the midfield battle in the absence of Casemiro.
Forwards - Saka, Nketiah Martinelli
The arrival of Trossard gives Arteta another versatile piece to add to his squad which is already full of them. The Belgian has seven Premier League goals this season - a tally only bettered by Odegaard.
He can play along the front line and on either flank, although Trossard himself believes he is best used as a No.10 behind a central striker. “I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well.
“I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker - but it all depends on the system.”
With Odegaard in such stunning form, it stands to reason that his most likely route to regular starts will come on the flank. But after training just once with his new team-mates, he’ll start on the bench against United and could play a key role in the latter stages.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Man Utd (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah Martinelli.
