Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Preview: Kick-off Time, Team News, Predicted line-up and Score Prediction

With just three league matches remaining and an extremely important FA Cup final on the horizon, Manchester United will be looking to turn around the misery that has embedded itself in and around the club over the past few weeks. As rumours fly around about manager Erik ten Hag’s managerial status, the Dutchman will be looking to prove any doubters wrong as United look to finish the season strongly.

Following their extremely disappointing performance away to Crystal Palace on Monday night, Old Trafford is the venue on Sunday afternoon as Manchester United host league leaders Arsenal in what is a pivotal clash for both sides.

Both sides have somewhat experienced completely different seasons this year, as successful as United have been over the years, it is Arsenal looking to break Manchester City’s title streak for the second season in a row. Meanwhile, United continue to struggle for those European places, having been expected to at least push for the top four when the season began.

United may already have one eye on the FA Cup final against Manchester City, however, they can’t afford to lose focus, especially now a European spot is no longer in their hands after Chelsea’s excellent recent run of form has taken them above their fellow big six rival.

How do Manchester United look?

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United have hit a bad patch of form at the wrong time as the season draws to a close. Disappointing performances against Burnley (D 1-1) and Crystal Palace (L 4-0) means that Ten Hag has some thinking to do and figure out the everlasting problem within this United squad. Contrasting emotions between the two sides heading into this one, with United very low on confidence, however with important games in the next few weeks, ten Hag will need his main men on the pitch and instil confidence into their teammates, if they are to achieve their goals come the end of the season.

After missing the 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace on Monday night, both Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay have returned to training during the week. However, another setback for Mason Mount means he will be missing for the game against the Gunners. To the delight of Ten Hag both Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford have also been recovering from injury with both stating to the boss they are “ready to play some minutes against Arsenal”.

There were no updates from Ten Hag regarding the injuries of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala. Luke Shaw, however, remains injured but is pushing to be back for the FA Cup final as is England teammate Harry Maguire after suffering from a muscle injury last week.

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These defensive injuries have meant Casmiro has had to fill in at centre back and because of this United will most likely stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation, with ten Hag predicted to choose this lineup:

Andre Onana (GK), Diogo Dalot (RB), Jonny Evans (CB), Casemiro (CB), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (LB), Kobbie Mainoo (CM), Scott McTominay (CM), Bruno Fernandes (CAM), Antony (RW), Alejandro Garnacho (LW), Rasmus Hojlund (ST).

Opposition

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The Gunners currently occupy first place in the Premier League, reflecting the incredible work that Mikel Arteta’s men have achieved this season. However, the job isn’t complete just yet as Manchester City continue to hunt them down.

Over the past few game weeks, Arsenal have dominated anyone that has come in their way. With thirteen goals scored and just two conceded in their last four league matches (W 4), Arsenal will be a tough proposition for United to break down as they come up against the best defence and attack in the league this season, based on goals for and against.

As Jurrien Timber continues to make his way back to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Arteta also admitted that Arsenal have “several doubts” as they travel to Manchester. Bukayo Saka was the target for many crunching tackles in their 3-0 victory at home to Bournemouth. Reiss Nelson has been missing from the squad over the past two weeks as well, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu is also a doubt after missing training earlier in the week.

Key Stats

Manchester United have lost just one of their last 16 Premier League home games against Arsenal (W10, D5).

Arsenal will be looking to complete their first league double over Manchester United since the 2006/07 season.

United have conceded 81 goals in all competitions so far this season, last conceding more in the 1970/71 season (82).

Prediction

Overall, I see this being an extremely entertaining game, with flurries of chances for both sides. However, I just believe that the Gunners may just prove too strong for United all over the pitch and continue their hot run of form with a 1-2 win.