Paul Merson explains why Lisandro Martinez’s suspension for Arsenal clash is great news for Man United

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal will fancy their chances of securing a much-needed win against Manchester United on Wednesday evening. 

Whilst Manchester United are heading into this game on a high, having thrashed Everton last time out, Arsenal are still very much the favourites for this fixture.

The Gunners are going into the game with good momentum behind them. Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled West Ham United at the weekend, having previously put Sporting CP to the sword in the Champions League.

Bukayo Saka has warned Manchester United that Arsenal will be at their best on Wednesday.

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Paul Merson predicts impact of Lisandro Martinez absence

Paul Merson expects Arsenal to make light work of Manchester United, and it is also worth noting that Ruben Amorim will be without a couple of key players on this trip. Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez are suspended for this fixture. 

However, as far as Merson is concerned, the absence of Martinez could play into United’s hands. 

Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained: “Arsenal work day in and day out on their set-pieces and it’s clearly showing this season. It’s not just luck that they are scoring so much from such situations. 

“However, the one thing that could work in favour of United in this game is the suspension of Lisandro Martinez. He’s not the tallest of defenders and will now most likely be replaced by Harry Maguire, who is like a magnet when defending set-pieces.”

Arsenal’s secret weapon

Arsenal owe their set-piece prowess to Nicolas Jover. The coach is trusted by Arteta to design and mastermind the team’s approach to set-piece situations. His work has yielded hugely impressive results, and he is something of a secret weapon for the Gunners. 

Whilst Arsenal certainly pose a threat from open play, there are also devastatingly effective from corners and free kicks. Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz all offer aerial targets to aim for.

Even with Harry Maguire at the back, Manchester United will struggle to hold Arsenal at bay when it comes to set-piece scenarios. If the match is a more tightly-contested affair than many anticipate, then the Gunners’ set-piece expertise, and Jover’s influence, could prove the difference between the two sides.