Arsenal will take on Manchester United in a crunch tie in the Premier League on January, 22, 2023 at the Emirates Stadium.
Preview
Mikel Arteta will be aiming to revenge a first-leg defeat to the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, they have been given a boost with Casemiro set to miss the blockbuster clash.
Manchester United missed a chance to temporarily go second on the Premier League table after being held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
A win for Arsenal will see the Gunners extend their lead on the Premier League table as they continue in their chase for a first Premier League title since the 2004/05 football season.
Mikel Arteta landed a morale-booster win over Tottenham in the North London Derby away from home and will be brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on Manchester United.
After the win over Tottenham, Arsenal went eight points clear on the summit of the table, but the gap has now been closed to 5 points after Manchester City pulled a sensational comeback to defeat Tottenham 4-2 at Etihad.
Both teams hold a superb record in the Premier League so far this season. Manchester United are the only team that have defeated Arsenal this season. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in the Premier League since the loss, while Manchester United are on a brilliant run of form, with seven straight wins in all competitions after the World Cup.
The draw at Selhurst is the first match Manchester United have dropped points after the World Cup break and will be hoping to take the form to Emirates on Sunday.
Head-to-head
The last five Premier League matches between the two sides have ended in two wins apiece and a draw.
Overall, Arsenal have lost 101 matches to Manchester United while the Red Devils have lost 86 times. Erik Ten Hag has a slight edge based on head-to-head stats, but United need not underestimate Arsenal’s current form, which will definitely influence the outcome of the game.
Manchester United have a lot at stake in the game. A win for Newcastle against Crystal Palace will see the Red Devils drop to the last spot on the Champions League slot.
Also, a win for United at Emirates will see them return to their third position in the log – a safer position in the Champions League race.
Team News
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to start at the goal for the Gunners after being at the center of a chaotic ending to the North London Derby.
Gabriel Jesus is still sidelined through injury, and Eddie Nketiah will be expected to fill the void as usual.
Reiss Nelson, Elneny, and Cedric Soares are still doubts for the tie after picking up injuries.
England star Bukayo Saka is also expected to start for the team, with captain Odeggard, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Saliba also expected in the starting lineup.
Manchester United will miss key midfielder Casemiro after he picked up his fifth yellow card this season against Crystal Palace.
His absence is expected to be a major boost to the Gunners setup ahead of the encounter. However, United’s midfield is still not lacking. Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen are expected to start while David de Gea will man the goalpost.
Erik Ten Hag may likely stick with Luke Shaw ahead of Harry Maguire with Varane and Tyrell Malacia expected to make the starting lineup in the defense.
New loan signing from Burnley Wout Weghorst may likely lead United’s attacking arsenal with Antony, and Marcus Rashford expected in the lineup.
Arsenal Probable Lineup: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
Manchester United Probable Lineup: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
Prediction
It will be a tough game between both sides. Arsenal will find it a bit difficult to break through Man United’s defense, but the Gunners know how to score.
Manchester United will look to counter Arsenal’s dominance with a good counterattack, and will certainly hit the back of the net against the host.
The match will likely end in a 1-1 draw.
