Arsenal will look to bounce back from a shock 1-3 midweek Europa League defeat to Rennes when they host Manchester United in a few hours time.
The Gunners are locked in an intense battle for a top 4 spot with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea and Emery will be desperate for a win today.
A loss will push them back some way but Tottenham Hotspur’s apparent decline might well play into the hands of their fierce rivals as the season runs down.
ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Hector Bellerín (knee), Danny Welbeck (ankle) and Rob Holding (knee) are long-term absentees while Lucas Torreira is suspended. Apart from them, Emery is likely to have his whole complement of players to choose from.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP vs MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Bernd Leno will return to the starting eleven having recharged his batteries over the week for this big fixture. Emery might need a special display from his no.1 if Arsenal are to restrict in-form United from bagging a win.
We feel Ainsley Maitland-Niles should finally get a recall to the right-back at the expense of Mustafi.
Sokratis had a shocker in midweek but has been Arsenal’s best defender this season and should retain his place at centre-back. Laurent Koscielny is likely to partner him and the duo will have their hands full trying to deal with the likes of Rashford and Lukaku.
Sead Kolasinac might earn a recall at left-back. Nacho Monreal has been preferred in recent matches but a difficult 90 minutes on Thursday could see Kolasinac start today.
MIDFIELD
Lucas Torreira’s suspension will see Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka form the double pivot. The duo will have their task cut out against the likes of Paul Pogba and Fred.
Mesut Ozil is expected to make way for Aaron Ramsey who will start in the no.10 role. His responsibilities will also include tracking back and helping out the midfield in addition to the offensive duties.
ATTACK
Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were impressive in midweek as well and should retain their places on the wings.
Mkhitaryan’s return to form has been a big boost for Emery and it came at a time when the Gunners were struggling on the creative front.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who was off-colour against Rennes, will make way for Alexandre Lacazette who has been in decent form and will pose the biggest threat to the Manchester United defence.
