A disappointing 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the previous gameweek has significantly dented Manchester United’s chances of qualifying for Europe. Man United now face a crucial encounter against arch-rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford, with both sides desperate for points.
Manchester United were hosted by London-based Crystal Palace the previous matchweek, and while expectations for European qualifying remained high, they were quickly dashed as Palace crushed United 4-0. Olise scored twice, while Mateta and Mitchell added goals to give the Eagles all three points. The absence of their main team players, as well as Bruno Fernandes, who missed his first game for Manchester United through injury, proved to be costly.
Meanwhile, Arsenal hosted in form Bournemouth over the weekend and wore down their team as they won 3-0 comfortably. First half penalty from Bukayo Saka and second half goals from Trossard and Rice sealed all 3 points for the Gunners. With that performance, Arsenal are still on top of the table with an extra point over Manchester City, who’ve played a game less.
The reverse fixture back in September was one of the most entertaining fixtures of this season. Head to head 1-1 till the 80th minute where Garnacho found the back of the net, only to be offside with a splendid split second decision from Gabriel. Extra time strikes from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus meant that Arsenal collected all 3 points at the Emirates stadium.
Erik Ten Hag is seeing his side 29 points below Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, would he be able to take revenge and disrupt Arsenal’s title hopes or will Arteta ruin the party for Erik Ten Hag and upset him?
When and Where?
Date: 12th May 2024, Sunday.
Time: 21:00 HRS IST
Venue: Old Trafford Stadium.
Match Officials
Referee: Paul Tierney
Assistants: Scott Ledger, Mat Wilkes
Fourth official: Darren Bond
VAR: John Brooks
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
Team News
Manchester United have had an injury crisis this season. The defensive headache consists of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Willy Kambwala and Tyrell Malacia.
Mason Mount was recent to pick up an injury in training and will miss the fixture vs Arsenal. However, big boost as Bruno, Rashford and McTominay are all back.
Meanwhile, for Arsenal, Jurien Timber continues to get back to fitness after making two appearances for the u-21s. Tomiyasu missed training mid-week but is still expected to start the match.
Pre-Match Tactical Analysis
Arsenal’s recent form at the Old Trafford has been jarring. However, Arsenal have broken some of the longest away loss records this season; may it be winning at the Etihad or even at Anfield.
Manchester United have been playing simple football under Ten Hag, they hurt you on the counter. You dominate as much you want with the ball, walk with the ball but they play on moments. Bruno is an obvious threat, they function through moments. Mainoo in the middle of the park would have a big carry job to do. It also depends on whom he is partnered with, if not the right choice then the midfield could get vulnerable.
It’ll be of utmost importance for Arsenal to win the midfield battle, necessarily playing a double pivot of Rice and Partey that has been trusted in recent weeks. Rice could be able to carry the ball whilst Partey is ever present to support him in a pivot. Central progression being blocked and wings being overloaded will give Manchester United very little to create from. Scoring quickly and move them about will essentially drain them out.
Arsenal are expected to field an unchanged side which has worked in recent weeks which has built a smooth dynamic. Good control and synergy with equal execution. Press their defenders in space and make the most of Raya’s long distribution. Tomiyasu’s inclusion to cover the defensive thirds while also giving them something in offence will be key.
Defensively United have bee very vulnerable. Only Sheffield United have conceded the most shots this season, a very disgraceful statistic by United’s standards. Their disorganised defensive setup allows space and link up play to happen, which needs to be stopped. They need to maintain an identity and not let the away team get the confidence to get into the fixture.
Momentum and mentality will be key factors for both sides. Arsenal’s recent good form gives them a confidence boost, but both teams need to manage nerves and pressure in such a high-stakes derby. Confidence and composure will be crucial for victory, and Arteta is known for instilling that belief in his players.
Key Players
Bukayo Saka
Saka has been in splendid form for the Gunners this season scoring 16 goals while assisting 9 for the team in the Premier League. His ever-present threat on the right wing is no surprise to any team in world football. His effortless ability to cut in with his favourite left foot and fancy a shot at goal always pose a threat. With Odegaard and White being as constant passing and overlapping options for the English international, he could make the most of it by getting in the central areas and creating more from there. Can Saka keep Arsenal’s title race hopes ticking to the final day of the season and score in another important fixture?
Bruno Fernandes
Captain Bruno Fernandes has turned his season around after a slow start to the 2023/24 season after collectively scoring 10 and assisting 7 goals in the Premier League. Apart from his leadership qualities, its his profile that takes all eyes towards him. His relentless pressing ability and always creating chances out of nothing is a special quality he has. A pass out of nowhere and a goal out of nowhere is exactly his thing. A big job after coming back from an injury but can the captain lead the way for his team against Arsenal?
Predicted Lineups
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Onana, Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Mainoo, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man United: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
