Two teams with contrasting recent fortunes face off against each other on New Year’s day in the Premier League as a depleted and stuttering Arsenal side face a buoyant Manchester United team at the Emirates. The Gunners have won just 1 of their last 12 Premier League games, while their opponents have won 6 in the same period.
7 points separate the two sides coming into this game with United in 5th and Arsenal 11th in the table. A win is vital for each side’s ambitions for the season, and we could be in for an entertaining match.
Arsenal are facing an injury crisis at the moment, with several of their defenders on the sidelines. Calum Chambers is the latest defender to enter the treatment room after he suffered a knee injury in the game against Chelsea. This means that German defender Shkodran Mustafi will play alongside David Luiz at the back.
Mustafi’s lack of pace could be an issue as Manchester United have pacey attackers in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford who could cause trouble. Martial has been in good form recently, scoring four goals in his last four games in all competitions. The Frenchman’s direct running could be a worry for the Arsenal defence, while Rashford could also be a menace, drifting in from the left.
Mesut Ozil has returned to the Arsenal starting XI over the last few weeks and has shown signs of improvement. The German attacking midfielder looked good last time around against Chelsea before Frank Lampard’s men turned things around. He will be up against Fred, who has looked confident and combative over the last month or so.
Fred’s passing, interceptions and energy has given United a new lease of life and he could be tasked with the duty of pressing Ozil and not giving him space.
The injuries to Arsenal left-backs Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac has meant that young winger Bukayo Saka has been used as a make-shift option at fullback. Saka will have his toughest test till date against Manchester United when he will be up against the direct and pacey Daniel James.
James had a solid game last time around against Burnley and he will look to put pressure on Saka from the get-go.
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