One of the Premier League's greatest rivalries takes center stage this weekend as Arsenal prepare to host Manchester United in a highly-anticipated battle. All eyes will be on this fixture as this Emirates Stadium tie will reveal a lot regarding the title credentials of both sides.
The pressure will largely fall on Mikel Arteta's crew in this game. After winning the North London Derby, the Gunners went eight points clear at the top; however, this lead could be slashed to merely two come kick-off.
This is because Manchester City will have played twice since Arsenal's last game — against Tottenham, which they won 4-2, and the weekend clash with Wolves. As a result, Saka and Co. cannot afford to slip up in their upcoming match.
Fortunately, form is on their side. As mentioned earlier, the Premier League leaders enter this tie on the back of their brilliant win at Tottenham, beating their bitter rivals 2-0 as a Hugo Lloris own goal and a lovely Martin Odegaard shot secured them the three points.
In fact, Arteta's men have lost only once in their last 10 outings across all competitions and that came in the Carabao Cup against Brighton. In the Premier League, Arsenal have suffered only one defeat and have drawn twice, once against Southampton and once against Newcastle, and will look to add to their 12-game unbeaten run in the English top flight.
Unfortunately, the one team to beat Arsenal in the league this season was—surprise, surprise—Manchester United, meaning Mikel's boys will be out for revenge. They are undefeated at home in this competition but the question on everyone's mind is whether the Red Devils will end that run.
Erik ten Hag's side have been in blistering form as well but the English giants missed out on the opportunity of moving within six points of their opponent. The 20-time champions are on 39 points, eight behind the home side and that is due to their disappointing midweek result at Selhurst Park.
Unlike Arsenal, Manchester United have taken to the field since the weekend, facing Crystal Palace on Wednesday. However, despite performing well in the first half and taking a 1-0 lead, the Red Devils dropped points, drawing 1-1.
Bruno Fernandes got on the scoresheet but a stoppage-time free-kick goal from Michael Olise denied Manchester United a victory. Additionally, Casemiro picked up a booking in that tie, his fifth this season, meaning he is now suspended for the Emirates Stadium trip.
Nonetheless, Rashford and Co. won nine games in a row prior to that, with the aforementioned English attacker scoring in all but one of the eight games the club have played since the FIFA World Cup ended.
As a result, the English giants have suddenly announced themselves as possible title contenders. This was unthinkable at the start of the campaign after suffering back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford. Regardless, the Red Devils will need to triumph at the Emirates if they are to lay down a marker and that will be no easy feat.
Team news
Arsenal: Leandro Trossard completed his move to North London in time and is available for this tie. However, the Belgian might make his debut off the bench at best as Martinelli, Saka, and Nketiah should lead the line. Odegaard is in sizzling form and will look to get the better of the opposition but Mohamed Elneny is a doubt while Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined.
Manchester United: As mentioned earlier, Casemiro is suspended for this game, which is a huge blow. As a result, either McTominay or Fred—or both—will start. Dalot and Martial remain in doubt while Sancho is unfit for this fixture. Donny van de Beek, meanwhile, is out for the rest of the season, meaning Ten Hag will likely name a near-identical lineup to the one that started at Crystal Palace.
Key stats
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Arsenal have won six of their last seven Premier League games.
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Additionally, the Gunners have registered a clean sheet in five of their last seven top-flight outings.
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The last time these two sides met, Manchester United emerged triumphant, with Antony scoring on his debut while Rashford grabbed a brace en route to a 3-1 victory.
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However, their last trip to the Emirates Stadium came last season and that ended in a 3-1 defeat for Bruno Fernandes and Co., with Cristiano scoring while Tavares, Saka, and Xhaka got on the scoresheet.
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Victory for Arteta's side could see them move 11 points clear of the Red Devils.
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Manchester United have not won at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League since December 2017.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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