FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1178800802,1196064545 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United (L) and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal. Arsenal FC and Manchester United meet on January 1,2020 in a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium in London,England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 03: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League group L match between AZ Alkmaar and Manchester United at ADO Den Haag on October 03, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Arsenal will encounter Manchester United during this weekend’s biggest fixture in the Premier League. The Gunners will have their tails up after a thumping win against Southampton. That means they have won four of their last five league games.
Manchester United, on the other hand, fell to a shock loss to Sheffield United meaning they have won 3 of their last 5 league outings. Arsenal will need to be wary of United’s away form but they will be buoyant with their own form too.
There will be one or two players who are very likely to miss the trip to Brighton. Pablo Mari will consider himself unlucky to suffer another injury after a brief spell in the team. He is ruled out.
Doubts remain over Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe and their inclusion could be down to last-minute tests. Another name who will likely miss out is Kieran Tierney. He is expected to return soon though. Not a lot of changes from the last game to be expected.
First choice between the sticks for the Gunners and continues in his position.
Has done really well in the absence of Tierney and that too in an unfamiliar role.
The veteran centre-back will be expected to marshal the defence against the Red Devils.
Holding has been a revelation this season and should be a straightforward inclusion.
Improved showings from him over the last few games and will be hoping to keep up that form.
Doubtful but will likely feature if cleared of his minor injury.
Partnering Partey would be Xhaka as they try to stifle the talismanic Bruno Fernandes.
The youngster has energized the side over the last month or so and should feature if given the clearance.
Pepe has been returning to some good form and will hope to get past Wan-Bissaka.
The Frenchman has kept his scoring boots on this season and has scored at a steady pace.
Saka too has been a bright spark for the side as they try to turn their season around.