Match preview
Ninth-placed Arsenal will welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Saturday with the two sides looking to renew their existing rivalry once more. Both clubs have enjoyed different levels of successes this term and will look to close in on their respective season's objective by ending the day with a win. The Gunners will particularly relish the chance of carrying the day as they approach the encounter off the back of an emphatic 3-1 win over Southampton.
Mikel Arteta's men conceded the first goal in Tuesday's clash but successfully completed a comeback through goals from Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette. This, coupled with the fact that they beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse encounter at Old Trafford, presents much optimism for the North London club. Nevertheless, it will require a lot more effort considering how resolute the Red Devils have been in their away fixtures.
Arsenal have won just four of the 10 matches played at the Emirates so far while the opponent they face this weekend have not been defeated in 10 away games in the ongoing campaign. If the pattern of their recent form is anything to go by, it will not come as a surprise should Arteta's men extend their unbeaten league run to seven at the expense of Manchester United.
Needless to say, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will not necessarily be pushovers for the Gunners. Ranking second in the league, the Old Trafford outfit are odds-on favorites for the weekend's tie although they approach the game off the back of a defeat. Needing a win to usurp Manchester City and secure the top spot once more, they were dealt a shock 2-1 loss against bottom-dwellers Sheffield United.
The results subsequently ended a run of 13 games without defeat. In the aftermath of the loss, Solskjaer and club skipper Harry Maguire have iterated their desire to swiftly make amends and, against Arsenal, a really cagey affair should be anticipated. A win will take Manchester United right back to the top of the table provided Sheffield defy the odds once more and stun Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
On the contrary, a defeat has the likelihood of putting the Red Devils seven points behind the Citizens who still have a game in hand. With a new club record of 18 away games without a defeat on the line, expect the 13-time Premier League winners to give Arsenal a tough test.
Head to head
Arsenal and Manchester United have met 233 times in total. The Red Devils are the most successful side in the contest with 97 wins while the Gunners have managed 84. 52 meetings have ended in draws.
The most recent clash between the sides ended in a 1-0 win of the North London outfit, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring the game's only goal via a penalty.
Team news
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed Tuesday's win over Southampton due to personal reasons, and remains a doubt after Mikel Arteta failed to confirm his availability. Academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe picked up an injury at St. Mary's and faces a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Manchester United. Both Pablo Mari and Dani Ceballos are doubts for Saturday's clash while new-boy Martin Odegaard could be in contention for a starting position.
For Manchester United, defender Eric Bailly is expected to return to the ranks after missing the defeat to Sheffield United with a back injury. Victor Lindelof should be battling for places with the Ivorian after featuring on the bench in the mid-week's game. Brandon Williams and Phil Jones are unavailable for the clash.
Predicted starting XI
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Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Cedric; Thomas, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Lacazette
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Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Rashford, Fernandes, Pogba; Cavani.
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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