Match Coverage

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Manchester United as Mikel Arteta makes tough Myles Lewis-Skelly decision

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Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in their latest Premier League encounter.

The Gunners head into the clash full of confidence from their 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last-16 clash.

Having fallen 13 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Mikel Arteta’s side are now vying to secure second place and are hoping repeat their 2-0 victory over United at the Emirates Stadium from earlier in the season.

Arteta has an incredible record against Manchester United and will be seeking his sixth straight league victory over Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim gives verdict on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta but believes there is major difference between the two

Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
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Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester United

Speaking at his pre match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Manchester United, Arteta did not refer to any new injury worries for the Gunners with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli still hoping to return after the international break.

It means that Mikel Merino is expected to continue in his auxiliary striker role having produced a composed finish in the rout in the Netherlands.

Arsenal fans were in awe of Ethan Nwaneri once again against PSV and he is set to get his first taste of a hostile Old Trafford crowd on the right wing.

The decisions for Arteta come at the base of midfield where Thomas Partey at times looked off the pace in Europe but should still keep his place ahead of Jorginho.

With Ben White still working his way back to full fitness, Jurrien Timber will be deployed at right back and then Riccardo Calafiori will begin at left back in order to take Myles Lewis-Skelly away from the limelight.

Myles Lewis-Skelly should be rested for Manchester United clash

Chris Sutton believes Lewis-Skelly was fortunate against PSV not to receive his second red card is as many matches following his sending off against West Ham in February.

Arsenal fans are worried about Lewis-Skelly’s discipline and it would be a wise move from Arteta to take the young defender out of the team and away from the spotlight against the Red Devils.

PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg
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Italian defender Calafiori has proven to be a more than capable deputy for Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori has shown he can play striker after his recent attacking performances.

There may still be a role in the game for Lewis-Skelly off the bench but some time to compose himself and reflect on his game would do the 18-year-old star no harm.