Predicted Manchester United XI to face Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester United produced another lacklustre performance in the Premier League last week as the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Southampton away from home.
Jose Mourinho’s men have struggled to hit the ground running in recent weeks and they will be up against it when they play host to an in-form Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Arsenal will be in high spirits after a 4-2 comeback win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday and the Gunners will be the favourites to extend their unbeaten run to 20 games across all competitions.
Team News
Jose Mourino has plenty of injuries to contend with for Wednesday’s clash. Ashley Young is suspended for having picked up five yellow cards while Victor Lindelof is ruled out with a thigh injury.
Chris Smalling did not feature in the last game but he will be pushing for a return while Eric Bailly (lower back injury) is also a doubt for the mid-week clash.
Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia are also struggling with injuries while Marcus Rashford will be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s game after picking up a knock against Southampton.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Predicted XI
1. David de Gea (GK)
The Spaniard was hardly at fault for either of the goals last week and has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.
2. Diogo Dalot (RB)
Injuries to Young and Darmian should open the door for the youngster to get his first start in the Premier League.
3. Phil Jones (CB)
He has put in solid shifts in the heart of the defence in the last couple of games and Mourinho should hand him a start for this one as well.
4. Chris Smalling (CB)
He is likely to be fit in time to make it to the starting line-up on Wednesday and United will need him to be at the top of his game to keep Arsenal at bay.
5. Marcos Rojo (LB)
Injuries to Young and Shaw might force Mourinho to hand the Argentinian his first start of the season.
6. Nemanja Matic (CDM)
He hasn’t had the best of times this season and has looked a bit off the pace but Mourinho doesn’t have too many options to replace him.
7. Fred (LCM)
Marouane Fellaini had a poor game against Southampton so Mourinho might consider experimenting with the Brazilian in the midfield.
8. Paul Pogba (RCM)
The Frenchman will need to put in an improved performance on Wednesday if United are to post a significant challenge against Arsenal.
9. Anthony Martial (LW)
He came on as a substitute in the last game but should start this one in the absence of Rashford who is unlikely to start due to an injury.
10. Juan Mata (RW)
Mourinho should hand the Spaniard a start on Wednesday to add substance and creativity to United’s toothless attack.
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11. Romelu Lukaku (ST)
He broke his goal drought in the last game against Southampton and he definitely deserves to start against Arsenal.
