da dobrowin： Once upon a time, Arsenal would travel to Old Trafford and almost guarantee themselves victory. Nonetheless, it’s close to a decade since the Gunners have left Manchester United’s fortress with all three points in the Premier League.
da bet vitoria： For Wenger to achieve victory in Manchester, he will be required to choose a starting XI nearing perfection. Unlike United, Arsenal are going into the contest with confidence verging on sky high.
A 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Tottenham left a worrying taste the collective mouth of the Emirates Stadium faithful, due to the Gunners’ failure to secure a win against their out-of-form bitter rivals.
Jose Mourinho faces the more difficult task of instilling belief in his Red Devils side, who have failed to secure back-to-back victories since August. It’s all setting itself up to be a blockbuster contest.
With these factors taken into consideration, a victory for Arsenal is highly possible. However, to achieve such a result, Wenger must pick this line-up to start at Old Trafford.
GK: Petr Cech
Mr. Consistency for Arsenal this campaign and it’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the best in the league. Cech must ensure his ability to pluck out crosses nears perfection, due to the aerial presence Zlatan Ibrahimovic offers United.
Another huge performance from Cech could prove to be a deciding factor.
RB: Carl Jenkinson
The defender has not played for Arsenal in nearly three years following a loan spell at West Ham but Jenkinson now returns to Old Trafford, where he famously featured in the club’s embarrassing 8-2 defeat in August 2011.
His performance may further elevate his status at the club following injury to Hector Bellerin, but ring rust could catch up with the England international – who’s been sidelined through injury since last season.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
Mustafi has really added to Arsenal’s backline since arriving from Valencia during the summer, offering some much-needed solidity alongside Laurent Koscielny.
One of his biggest challenges of the season will occur this Saturday, however, with either Ibrahimovic or Marcus Rashford due to lead the line for the Red Devils.
It’s difficult to deny the partnership he has formed with Koscielny, but the duo will be required to be fully alert against a hurting United side.
CB:Laurent Koscielny
Rarely does Koscielny not save his best performances for the biggest occasions. The Frenchman is arguably Arsenal’s most valuable player and will need to remain on high alert this weekend.
Koscielny remains win-less at Old Trafford as an Arsenal player but will undoubtedly be keen to end that terrible record on Saturday by keeping United’s attacking cast quiet.
According to Whoscored.com, he’s been the Gunners’ second-best performer in the Premier League this season after Alexis Sanchez.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Monreal’s season cannot be criticised as his consistent performances continue to keep Kieran Gibbs sidelined. Only when the Spaniard drops in form can Gibbs dream of returning to the first-team on a regular basis.
At Old Trafford, Monreal will face the difficult task of containing Juan Mata. The Spaniard has never been the quickest but he’s a real magician with the ball at his feet and always causes problems when given the chance to cut inside.
CM: Granit Xhaka
The player Arsenal have been missing for more than a decade; Xhaka has already proven worthy of his sizeable price-tag.
His ability to break down opposition attacking displays may prove decisive against United, with the likes of Paul Pogba looking to maraud through the middle of the park.
If Xhaka can become the most dominant force in midfield through his tenacity and passing ability, Arsenal are likely to walk away with three points.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
Remember those world-class performances at Euro 2016? Its time Aaron Ramsey started producing them at club level in Arsenal’s highest-profile fixtures – starting with this weekend.
The Welshman’s ability to go from box-to-box is a unique style of the modern game and a confidence-filled Ramsey could be the difference against United – if he provides the necessary drive, goal threat and flair from the middle of the park.
That’s a big if, however, with the midfielder still on the mend after a lengthy injury layoff.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
If there is one criticism of Mesut Ozil, it’s his knack of going missing when it comes to major Premier League games.
The playmaker’s form is certainly something to write home about, however, with three Premier League goals already this season, and United must be cautious in how they attempt to contain the German.
A goal or trademark assist would be highly welcomed by Gunners supporters. The attacking midfielder has notched up six strikes and three set ups in his last nine outings across all competitions.
RW: Theo Walcott
For the best part of a decade, supporters have been desperate for Walcott to produce goals and assists on a consistent basis – something worthy of his astounding ability.
But we’re starting to see some evidence of the England man finally unleashing his full potential, with nine goals already this season and some fantastic performances to boot.
Against United, Walcott will be keen to add to his haul and he certainly has the natural pace to cause problems for a somewhat static Red Devils side.
LW:Alexis Sanchez
There have been rumours of a lengthy injury layoff but fear not Gunners faithful – the Chile international scored for his country during the international break to remain high on confidence.
Sanchez’s record against United cannot be faulted, with two goals in five appearances versus the Old Trafford outfit, and Saturday’s contest should be close to normal proceedings.
The South American has flourished in the centre-forward role this season but we’re tipping him to start on the wing to make room for more attacking threat.
ST: Olivier Giroud
Wenger has made some strange decisions in the past, but his continuous selection of Sanchez as the sole striker must cease.
Giroud’s red-hot form is evident, with three goals in his last three appearances, and against a somewhat shaky United back four, the Frenchman is capable of causing further damage – particularly in the air.
Furthermore, United possess an overtly physical side, so Giroud’s ability to bring the ball down and others into the game could prove crucial this weekend.