Lakshay Khurana
Manchester United vs Arsenal
KICK-OFF: Sunday 7:35PM IST
VENUE: Old Trafford
LIVE: Star Sports 4
REFEREE: Craig Pawson
United will be looking forward to return to their winning ways in the Barclays Premier League and also taking revenge for their last tie against the Gunners which ended in a disastrous 3-0 loss. After losing to Sunderland two weeks ago in their last League match, the Reds seek to grab a win in the League after two consecutive wins in the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Manchester United sits in the fifth position in the table, six points behind the fourth place Manchester City. While Arsenal are third behind their rivals, Tottenham who are leading them on goal difference. Arsenal are eyeing their first league title in 12 years. Being in form throughout the season, they can most likely end up winning the league this time.
The Reds have gained more confidence after winning in their last two games, thrashing both Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup and Midtjylland in the Europa League in a whopping fashion. After having a downfall in the Premier League, they are looking to get back on track. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have won only two of their last six league games. Arsenal after lacking momentum in their Champions League fixture against Barcelona will be looking forward to get on par with the title race by grabbing a victory by taking an advantage over United’s unlucky injury spree. Van Gaal lacks first-choice personnel at nearly every position due to injury which has been a major setback for United this season.
Match News:
Arsenal will have to make it without Chamberlain, who suffered a knee injury in their clash against Barcelona on Tuesday night and could be out for a couple of weeks. Danny Welbeck could be set to start against his former club. Gabriel Paulista is also expected to return, while Rosicky and Cazorla will remain absent.
Chris Smalling, De Gea and Borthwick Jackson could be back for United after they missed the game against Midtjylland at Old Trafford due to injuries. Januzaj is also expected to return soon if not against Arsenal on Sunday. Anthony Martial having injured his hamstring will not be available, which would put Marcus Rashford in his position to play up the pitch.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Possible Line ups:
Man United:
De Gea; Varela, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Herrera, Schneiderlin; Depay, Mata, Lingard; Rashford
Arsenal:
Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Ramsey, Coquelin; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud
Stats:
- Arsenal are winless in their last eight Premier League games at Old Trafford, losing six of those matches.
- However, the Gunners did win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last season.
- Victory would see Manchester United become the first team to win 50 top-flight home games against Arsenal.
- Arsenal have scored more than one goal in just one of their 23 Premier League matches at Old Trafford – in the 8-2 defeat on 28 August 2011.
Via BBC
Prediction:
A 1-1 draw.
One can follow the action via ManUtd.com’s match blog and club’s Twitter account @ManUtd
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