Whenever Manchester United and Arsenal face each other, the footballing world takes notice. While in recent seasons this tie has not held the same weight as it once did, both sets of supporters have been eyeing this fixture for a long time.
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford with an opportunity to take all the points from the injury-laden Red Devils.
Arsenal Have Chance for Three Points at Manchester United
Team News
Arsenal are almost synonymous with injuries, however, it is their hosts for Monday’s match who have the longer unavailable list. Unai Emery will have to do without Alexandre Lacazette again as he continues to rehabilitate his ankle.
Emile Smith Rowe will also be withheld after a head injury saw him withdraw from the win over Nottingham Forest midweek. Dinos Mavropanos is fit again, however, will likely not appear.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will miss some big names on Monday night. Paul Pogba made a return from injury midweek against Rochdale but the match took a toll. Solskjaer confirmed he is doubtful to appear after extensive ankle swelling after the Carabao Cup tie.
Also joining him are both Phil Jones and Anthony Martial who will likely not return until after the international break. A host of other players are doubtful for the match against Arsenal but may return for Manchester United in the Europa League.
They include Diogo Dalot, Angel Gomez, Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
A Big Chance
Arsenal generally don’t take much away from Old Trafford. Even when the Red Devils are down they seem to raise their game against their old foes.
However, Unai Emery has a big opportunity for three points. Not only are United in a weakened state on the pitch with so many injuries but even with a full compliment they have struggled mightily in recent months.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have very few first-team regulars out injured at the moment. Lacazette will be a big miss but with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe available, they should find little difficulty in scoring.
Defence is, of course, an issue. However, with Romelu Lukaku now playing in Italy and Anthony Martial injured, the Red devils should find attack difficult.
Arsenal have their best opportunity to take a win away from Old Trafford for the first time since March 2015 when the Gunners bested Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Prediction
As usual, this should be a terrific match for the neutral. Both sides have weaknesses and both will be desperate for points in what should be a terrific race for a Champions League place.
Manchester United are the home side and are always confident of victory at Old Trafford. However, Arsenal are the fitter side who will hope to take advantage of the injuries and instability of their hosts.
Predicted score: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 3
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