Arsenal will be without one of their key defenders when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United in the Premier League.
The North London club come into this game on the back of a comfortable win over Dundalk in the Europa League. They will look to continue that momentum against the Red Devils. What changes will Mikel Arteta make this time around?
Coming to the team news, the Emirates club have some injury concerns in defense with David Luiz joining Rob Holding on the treatment table. This will be a cause of concern for Arteta going into the game.
In goal, it will be a return for Bernd Leno who will come in for Alex Runarsson who made his debut in midweek. With the North Londoners once again likely to stick with the 3-4-3 formation, we will see three center backs. Those slots will be filled by Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney.
As for the wing-backs, it will be Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka returning to the starting lin-up. They will take the place of Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The Spaniard in particular has been in great form this season and will want to contribute once again.
Coming to the midfield duo, it will certainly be a start for Thomas Partey who will be looking to stamp his influence. Partnering him will be Granit Xhaka with Dani Ceballos starting from the bench.
Ahead of them, the attacking trio will have two senior players coming back into the fold. Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will replace Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. Nicolas Pepe was impressive in midweek and will retain his place.
It is important for Arsenal to get the win on Sunday. Not only will this push them further towards the Champions League spots, but it will also show that the Gunners can pull off results against the big teams. It promises to be an exciting encounter and Arteta will be hoping for a win.
Predicted Arsenal Starting XI Against Manchester United (3-4-3):
Bernd Leno, Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
