Arsenal picked up a handsome 3-1 win over Southampton in the EPL on Tuesday and next up, they face a sturdier test in the form of Manchester United.
The Gunners have been able to get their act together over the past couple of weeks and they go into this match at the back of a five game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Arsenal are unbeaten in three of the last four meetings with United and given the fact that Man United suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Sheffield United in midweek, Arteta will be sniffing nothing less than a win on Saturday.
The manager does have a few absentees going into this game but with their tales up, the North London side should be able to evenly match Man United on the pitch as they look to move closer to the top-four of the EPL table.
EPL: Arsenal team news & injuries
Luiz and Holding played in central defence vs Southampton in midweek and the pair could be rewarded with another start on Saturday, keeping Gabriel on the bench.
Kieran Tierney was not risked vs the Saints but he’s returned to training the very next day and should be available for selection against Man United.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been stellar in midfield for the Gunners and even though Dani Ceballos has recovered from his calf injury, the Spaniard is not likely to make a comeback into the starting XI.
Martin Odegaard has started training with Arsenal this week but Arteta is not likely to give him his first start against a team like Manchester United. Emile Smith Rowe should reprise his role as the playmaker.
Smith Rowe picked up a knock in the second half of the Saints game but he should be able to recover in time.
Aubameyang has missed the last matches for Arsenal due to personal reasons and he could be a miss for their EPL clash this weekend as well.
The manager told the press: “I don’t know. I spoke with him yesterday and things are looking better at the moment but we’re going to have to wait and see.”
If Aubameyang misses out then Nicolas Pepe is likely to get another start playing on the left wing while Bukayo Saka plays on the right. Alexandre Lacazette to start up front.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Man United:
Predicted Starting XI: Bernd Leno; Holding, David Luiz, Tierney, Bellerin; Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Smith Rowe; Pepe/Aubameyang, Lacazette, Bukayo Saka.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
