Arsenal and Manchester United will meet in a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
This is a hugely important fixture from the Gunners’ perspective. Mikel Arteta’s side need to make up ground on current Premier League table-toppers Liverpool.
The gap between Arsenal and the Reds currently stands at nine points, and if the Merseyside outfit are allowed any opportunity to extend their advantage then that would likely spell the end of the the Gunners’ title dream.
The hosts are heavy favourites heading into this fixture, and will be keen to make a statement. Paul Merson expects Arsenal to thrash Manchester United. Such a result would certainly let Liverpool know that they cannot afford to become complacent.
Arsenal team and injury news
Arteta may have to cope without some key figures in this match. Thomas Partey is an injury doubt, as he picked up a problem just prior to the club’s recent win over West Ham United.
Gabriel Magalhaes was also withdrawn against the Hammers after a clash, and Riccardo Calafiori had to make way too.
Arteta and his coaching staff will hold a meeting today to discuss the fitness of the aforementioned trio. Mikel Merino’s readiness to return to action will also come up in that discussion.
Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined.
Mikel Arteta needs Gabriel Martinelli to step up
Gabriel Martinelli was rested against West Ham, as Leandro Trossard was deployed on the left flank.
However, if Partey is ruled out of this match, then Arteta will need Declan Rice to take up a defensive midfield role against Manchester United. Pulling the England star deeper will create an opening for Trossard to assume the left-eight midfield berth, clearing the way for Martinelli to return on the wing.
The Brazilian’s pace will pose a threat to Ruben Amorim’s defensive unit, and Arteta needs the forward to be clinical in the final third. Martinelli’s form has been up-and-down recently, and his finishing can be inconsistent.
However, at this stage in his career, Arsenal need the 23-year-old to be able to reliably deliver in the biggest games.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI vs Man United
Given his past fitness issues, it may be too much to expect Partey to return to the starting XI against Manchester United. However, as Arteta has managed Calafiori’s minutes carefully, the Italian full-back ought to be fit for this game.
David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz.
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