Manchester United v Arsenal - Predicted Line-Ups and Stats Preview

David Moyes’ Manchester United are set to welcome league leaders Arsenal to Old Trafford for what will be a crucial clash for the home side as they look to put their title challenge back on track.

Arsene Wenger’s men are fresh from a superb week that began with a 2-0 win over Liverpool and continued with a 1-0 smash and grab victory against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

A win here for the Gunners would extend the gap between them and Manchester United to a huge 11 points, making life that much more difficult in the hot-seat for Moyes.

Team News

Manchester United

Tom Cleverley (concussion) and Michael Carrick (calf) will have to pass late fitness tests before being considered for selection while Rafael (ankle), Danny Welbeck (knee) and Jonny Evans (back) are unlikely to feature.

Arsenal

The Gunners have an extensive injury list, with Jack Wilshere (ankle), Serge Gnabry (ankle), Theo Walcott (abdomen), Yaya Sanogo (back), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Lukas Podoloski (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (knee) all ruled out of the clash.

Mathieu Flamini (groin) is set to face a late fitness test, although Wenger could decide against risking the Frenchman with Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey in stellar form.

Predicted Line-ups:

Manchester United

Moyes has a major selection headache for the visit of Arsenal with Carrick and Cleverley both doubts while Rafael, Welbeck and Evans are unlikely to feature.

However, the former Everton boss did admit that Carrick could make it as the injury was not as bad as first thought, while ruling out Welbeck for the trip to the capital.

Marouane Fellaini is also likely to deputise in place of Cleverley in midfield, despite his sending off during the midweek.

4-2-3-1: De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Valencia, Rooney, Januzaj; Van Persie.

Arsenal

Wenger only has one consideration ahead of the crunch match at Old Trafford – the fitness of Mathieu Flamini, who is set to face a late check up.

But the French coach could simply opt not to risk his countryman and keep the same line-up that did so well against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

4-2-3-1: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Rosicky, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud.

Recent Form

The Gunners are the Premier League’s in-form team with four wins and a draw from their last five games, highlighting their fantastic start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Manchester have come into some consistency of late with two wins on the trot although they have a couple of blots on their record in form of a loss to West Bromwich Albion and a draw to Southampton.

Arsenal come into the game having won their Champions League clash with Dortmund while United were held by Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.

Players to Watch:

Manchester United – Wayne Rooney

It was tempting to plump for former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, but the Dutchman has been in poor form this term. So Wayne Rooney will be our man to watch out for as one of United’s most consistent players so far.

The forward has notched five goals from nine games this season and created 15 more for his team-mates in what has been a very good start for the 28-year-old after a summer of speculation surrounding his Old Trafford future.

Arsenal – Aaron Ramsey

The Welshman is in the form of his life, having struck six times for his club this season – including his stunning strike against Liverpool and a winner at Dortmund.

The United midfield will be wary of the 22-year-old midfielder’s threat and employ measures to stop him from getting into the same positions on Sunday.

Prediction

This is one of the classic match-ups in the Premier League and as ever, plenty is at stake for both teams here. A win for Arsenal would confirm their status as title favourites and condemn United to yet another setback.

But a win for United would instantly haul them back into the thick of it and deal a blow to Arsenal’s confidence earned during the week. With the Red Devils’ recent good form and the advantage of home support, they can sneak a win.

Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal