This Sunday Manchester United host top of the table Arsenal. The Gunners have made a highly impressive start to the season securing all available points in the opening five fixtures of the season. Here’s hoping that Erik ten Hag can bring that to an end this weekend.
Opposition
As mentioned, Mikel Arteta has got his team playing very well at the start of this season. New signing Gabriel Jesus seems to have linked their attacking play together very nicely. There were some who doubted this move and whether this could have worked, but so far it seems to have been a success. It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian forward can maintain this form throughout the season.
So far, Arteta has favoured the 4-2-3-1 formation starting with Ramsdale in goal. Their back four will most likely comprise of Tomiyasu and Tierney at fullback with Zinchenko not available for the weekend clash. And then a centre-back partnership of Ben White and Magalhaes. A midfield duo of Xhaka and potentially Odegard, however he remains a doubt after picking up a knock in the Villa game. The attacking players will most likely be Smith-Rowe in the 10, Saka and Martinelli on the wings. And then Jesus at 9.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag seems to have turned something of a corner with this group of players. After two abysmal performances to start the season, three consecutive wins could signify that the Dutchman has a grasp on these players and they have bought into what he is trying to achieve. A win against Arsenal this weekend would be huge not only for the fans; but for the confidence of these players. This is a group of players who have been so used to dropping points. Their self-belief after the Brentford game would have been at rock-bottom. But after beating Liverpool and picking up another two wins following that; there should be a real sense of belief growing in the starting XI.
Lineup
Erik ten Hag seems to have nailed down his preferred XI that works well as a team both in defence and attack. With that in mind here is how United would likely lineup. Obviously starting with de Gea in net. A centre-back partnership of Varane and Martinez seems truly formidable at the moment. And then Dalot and Malacia seem to have both cemented their positions at fullbacks.
In terms of the midfield, Bruno and Eriksen seem to be working extremely well in terms of progressing the ball and creating chances. As the number 6 this could be the ideal game to start Casemiro from the off. With the erratic positional awareness of Scott McTominay and, the former Real Madrid star building to full match-fitness this should be the ideal time to start him.
The forward line will most likely see Jadon Sancho retain his place on one wing. Marcus Rashford could start through the middle, with Martial injured and Ronaldo not really looking like starting. And then Elanga could get the nod from the off with new signing Anthony making an appearance from the bench.
Predictions
This could be a very close game. With both teams relatively high on confidence and a sense of belief in their respective managers. With that in mind I am going for a 2-1 United win. Jadon Sancho could likely get another goal and it would be great to see Rashford get another goal.