Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Monday night in the 7th matchweek of the 2019-20 Premier League season. The Gunners will fancy their chances against a poor Manchester United side that has been ravaged by injuries to key players.
Unai Emery’s men comfortably defeated Nottingham Forest 5-0 in the League Cup, while Manchester United progressed to the next round after beating Rochdale on penalties. The north London side also won their previous Premier League game, while the Red Devils lost 2-0 to West Ham United.
Let’s take a look at the three key battles between Arsenal and Manchester United
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Victor Lindelof
French striker Alexandre Lacazette will miss the trip to Old Trafford due to injury, but the Gunners have in-form striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has already scored 6 goals in 6 Premier League starts this season.
The Gabon striker will be up against Victor Lindelof, who has been off-colour this season. Aubameyang will fancy his chances against Lindelof as United’s defence has looked fragile in the last few games. The former Borussia Dortmund player’s pace and sharp finishing could be a worry for the Red Devils who might have to sit deep and play on the counter in this game.
Matteo Guendouzi vs Scott McTominay
Matteo Guendouzi and Scott McTominay are two young midfielders who have the difficult task of being key players for their side despite their young age. Guendouzi has been the Gunners’ best midfielder so far this season, with his passing and energy in midfield impressing Arsenal fans.
McTominay, on the other hand, is a midfielder who is much more defensive and likes to make tackles and interceptions in the middle of the park. The Scottish international kept James Maddison quiet when Leicester City travelled to Old Trafford two weeks ago, and he may be tasked with a similar duty against Arsenal where he will stick close to Guendouzi.
Daniel James vs Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been ruled out of the game against Arsenal which means that United’s creativity in attack will be thrust upon the shoulders of young Daniel James. James has impressed so far for Manchester United, but he will have a tough task against Arsenal.
He will not have quality attackers around him with Rashford and Martial injured, while also facing off against Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is a quick player that could nullify James’ pace which is the young Welshman’s trump card.