Gameweek 15
Arsenal Vs Manchester United
Venue: The Emirates Stadium
Time: 17: 30 (BST)
[23: 00 (IST)]
Line-ups
Match Preview
This weekend's Premier League action has the inclusion of one of the fiercest rivalries English football has to offer, that's right it's time for the classic tale of Arsenal V Manchester United.
In previous years, this fixture had high significance as it was considered as a title decider but how much has changed since then. Man United and Arsenal both come into this fixture high in confidence after three successive victories in the league each.
United are placed 2nd in the league table, still trailing their neighbors Man City by 8 points. Arsenal who have finally found their form now sit in 4th, a further 4 points behind their weekend's opponents.
United manager Jose Mourinho has lost just once in the league; which was last season against his nemesis Arsene Wenger and generally seems to have the upper hand over his fierce competitor with five PL victories in his managerial career with Chelsea.
Team News
Arsenal is set to be without their record summer signing Alexandre Lacazette with a groin injury. along with long-term absentee Santiago Cazorla.
Alexis Sanchez also suffered a hamstring injury in their midweek victory over Huddersfield Town but he is expected to be fit.
Man United will be without their first choice defensive pairing of Phil Jones (thigh) and Eric Bailly (groin) with Marouane Fellaini (knock) and Michael Carrick (Illness) also out.
Nemanja Matic (hamstring) is another major doubt to feature this Saturday after limping out this mid-week but he has traveled with the squad.
Head-to-Head
Played: 50
Arsenal Wins: 13
Home Wins: 10
Away Wins: 3
Draws: 15
Man United Wins: 22
Home Wins: 15
Away Wins: 7
When it comes to overall wins, United have the edge but in recent years, the momentum has shifted towards Arsenal. Arsenal has managed to lose just once in their last five home matches in the Premier League against the Red Devils, winning each of their last two without conceding a goal.
The Gunners also have their stunning home form of winning each of their last 12 home games in a row which stretches right back to last season. This season they have picked up victories in each of their seven home games.
But, in the PL no team has picked up more away victories than United's seven against the Gunners with three of them coming at the Emirates Stadium. United have been solid at home but mixed on the road so far, with just three victories in seven league games this season.
Key pointers to victory
Arsenal:
Mesut Ozil has been the chief midfield creator of the Gunners since his arrival and has a fantastic record against the Red Devils with a direct involvement in four goals in his last four PL games against the Red Devils.
Danny Welbeck, the former Man United player is another threat whenever he faces his former side against whom he has scored twice; including last season in the 2-0 win, He is expected to start against his former side in place of Lacazette.
Arsenal's rock solid 3-man defense of Mustafi-Koscielny-Monreal has led the Gunners to keep five clean sheets at home and have conceded just three goals at home all season.
Aaron Ramsey is the highest contributor to Arsenal's goals this season with 8 (3 goals & 5 assists) after notching up 2 assists against Huddersfield Town mid-week.
Alexis Sanchez has scored in his last 3 PL appearances and has struck in each of last two home games.
Man United:
Man United have been the toughest defense in the land to crack this season with the Red Devils conceding just once at home but have conceded seven times on the road.
Victor Lindelof, the new Man United summer signing is finally beginning to find his feet in the PL after starting all of United's last three PL fixtures and also has the ability to produce deep passes to unlock the opposition defense.
Anthony Martial is only the 2nd highest Man United scorer this season with six ahead of Romelu Lukaku with eight after putting in a sublime performance against Watford.
Ashley Young has started and scored or assisted in each of United's last three fixtures with 2 goals and 2 assists.
Man United's key duo in midfield in Nemanja Matic & Paul Pogba. With Matic's, a rock in holding midfield, Pogba has the license to go ahead and influence United's attack. Matic's presence and absence will be an important decider towards United's result.
Conclusion
The home field advantage for Arsenal will be their biggest strength tomorrow when they face off against their fierce rivals and that will be their motivation to get all three points on the night.
United will try their best to keep Arsenal at bay but it seemingly looks like the home side could be the likelier team to keep a clean sheet. However, there is a high expectation that this fixture will once again live to its heights.
Prediction
Arsenal (2-1) Man United
Predicted Formations
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