Manchester United versus Arsenal is always one of the highlights of any Premier League season. Whilst today’s game may not be the pivotal top two clashes of the late 90s and early 2000s, it certainly looks hugely important for both sides. Especially after differing fortunes in Europe this past week. Leicester’s late late win over Norwich means this game is a must win for Arsenal, who are five points behind The Foxes ahead of kick off.
Manchester United come into this encounter with Arsenal in sixth, two points below West Ham and simply have to win to hold any chance of finishing in the top four. Arsenal are the favourites thanks to an injury list that has in many ways crippled Louis van Gaal’s side in recent months.
Arsene Wenger’s team chased shadows for much of their 2-0 first leg home defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday and having won the FA Cup for the past two seasons, Gooners are desperate to see their side finally bring home the Premier League trophy.
To keep up the pace with Leicester and Spurs, Arsenal simply have to win at Old Trafford. With only Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla missing through injury, they certainly have the players available to secure victory.
Manchester United are likely to play a lot of youngsters again, but with the instant impact supplied by Marcus Rashford, perhaps it isn’t the worst policy. Louis van Gaal does have Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia back in training.
Whilst Chris Smalling and David De Gea have been tipped to make it to face the Gunners. As a result, the Manchester United side will not be quite as weak as against Danish side Midtjylland, but it will need a heroic effort to get anything against Arsenal.
The big injury dilemma will centre around Anthony Martial, which could allow new young hero Marcus Rashford to start. You suspect an experienced Arsenal defence will be well too wily for Rashford. But, Memphis Depay was sensational on Thursday night and the Dutchman could be the man to make the difference.
For Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez has not looked himself in recent weeks and a tough away game against Manchester United could be just the test for the Chilean superstar.
