Arsenal will be aiming to extend their six-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League when they entertain arch-rivals Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
The Gunners recently climbed to the top half of the standings with a fifth win in six matches and only leaders Manchester City have fared better during this period.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat the Red Devils 1-0 at Old Trafford in November. They now have the chance to secure a league double against their rivals for the first time since the 2006/07 season.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Bernd Leno has been the Gunners’ number one since the start of the campaign and has played every minute in the Premier League. He is expected to start in goal against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
In the defence, it could be the same combination from the 3-1 win at Southampton. Kieran Tierney has been struggling with a calf problem and it is unclear whether he will make the game. In that case, Cedric Soares should continue at left-back.
The ex-Southampton man has impressed in recent games and came up with a stunning switch of play against the Saints which helped the Gunners score the all-important third goal at St Mary’s on Tuesday.
David Luiz squandered possession with some poor decision-making against the Saints, he may keep his place ahead of Gabriel Magalhaes, who looked rusty with his performance in the FA Cup fourth round defeat after recovering from COVID-19.
In the midfield, Granit Xhaka has earned his position on the back of impressive performances over the past few weeks. He was superb in midweek where he created two big chances, one of which Alexandre Lacazette failed to convert in the first minute.
He should be accompanied by Thomas Partey. The Ghana international was substituted in the second half with a minor discomfort, but we are fancying him to keep his spot ahead of Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos, who has just returned to training after an injury of his own.
Further forward, no changes are likely. Emile Smith Rowe should start in the number 10 role ahead of new signing Martin Odegaard, provided he passes the fitness test. Odegaard has had just one training session and he may make his debut off the bench.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hinted that he is available for selection after taking time out due to his mother’s illness. However, his involvement could be off the bench with Nicolas Pepe keeping his place. The Ivorian produced one of his best displays of the season against the Saints where he scored the early equaliser.
