There has been plenty of talk about how kind the fixture list has been to Arsenal in not providing them a real test across their opening five Premier League matches. As results across the rest of the division this weekend have shown though, what the Gunners have managed to do in terms of maintaining a 100% record is no mean feat. Regardless of that however, this Sunday's trip to Old Trafford is undoubtedly the most difficult game the Gunners have faced so far.
Historically Arsenal have had something of an inferiority complex in these matches against 'big six' opponents, but with their impressive start to the season, Mikel Arteta is confident his side are psychologically ready. "I don’t think so," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference when asked if his side still feared the big occasions. "We have gone through not winning at Stamford Bridge for however many years and this and that. You have to believe that you will go there and play the way you want to play and win the football match."
Despite that though this game will be crucial if the Gunners are going to maintain the positive mentality felt around north London right now. In order to secure an unlikely sixth win in a row Arteta will need to get his team selection spot on.
READ MORE: Arsenal lineups vs Manchester Utd: Odegaard misses out, Ben White boost, Smith Rowe chance
The injury that Aaron Ramsdale appeared to pick up at the end of Wednesday's win over Aston Villa will undoubtedly be a worry. Matt Turner has shown with previous experiences that he can deal with difficult moments, but making his Premier League debut at Old Trafford is quite the ask. If Ramsdale is anywhere near close to fitness, then you'd imagine he'd play.
Ben White meanwhile is thought to be fine ahead of the match and will likely continue at right back, with William Saliba and Gabriel inside of him. Over on the left though it's a far more interesting decision for Arteta to make.
Oleksandr Zinchenko had not trained with the Arsenal squad until January, but he is thought to have travelled up to Manchester as part of the group. Kieran Tierney has deputised for the Ukrainian with great enthusiasm, but the Scottish international just cannot replicate what Zinchenko is capable of on the ball. With that in mind and injuries in midfield, Arteta may want to bring the Ukrainian straight back into the side, with Tierney coming on to hopefully help secure the game later on.
Zinchenko's return would also provide assistance to Albert Sambi Lokonga as he seeks to control the midfield at Old Trafford. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny's absences mean that the Belgian will surely play at the six, which in turn will give Granit Xhaka the license to push forward more and hopefully keep up his impressive scoring record against United.
Alongside him Arteta will be hopeful that Martin Odegaard is fit enough to play as well after picking up an ankle knock against Villa. Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira mean that there are options to cover should the Norwegian be unavailable, but with his recent form surely he's worth taking a risk on.
Up front meanwhile it's unlikely that there will be any change among the free scoring Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. Bukayo Saka meanwhile will be keen to shake the critics of his lack of goals this season off his back as well, and the England international will see no better stage than Old Trafford to break his duck.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester United - Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Lokonga, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal already have 'next William Saliba' lined up as Mikel Arteta makes £6m transfer decision
What Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk did amid Arsenal transfer links
Mikel Arteta highlights Gabriel Martinelli's elite mentality with Arsenal star now reaping rewards
Paul Merson gives Mikel Arteta midfield advice amid Martin Odegaard injury doubt
Arsenal reminded of Financial Fair Play danger as UEFA fine eight clubs amid watchlist concern
