Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 8:15 p.m. local (3:15 p.m. ET / 12:15 p.m. PT)
Location: Emirates Stadium (London, England
Referee: Sam Barrott, VAR: Jarred Gillett
Last meeting: Man United 0-1 Arsenal (May 12, 2024 | Premier League)
As the Premier League schedule intensifies throughout December, Arsenal and Manchester United are poised for a midweek showdown at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Currently, the Gunners occupy the second position in the Premier League standings and appear to be gaining momentum following three consecutive convincing victories. However, they find themselves a significant nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, who are firmly in control of the title race.
Consequently, Arsenal faces a critical situation where any further points dropped could jeopardize their chances of remaining competitive. This task is made more difficult by the fact that they will be up against a rejuvenated Manchester United team, which recently secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton, instilling a sense of optimism among fans under the guidance of new manager Ruben Amorim.
The competition intensifies considerably in this instance due to a rapid turnaround, as they will be without several crucial players when facing a Gunners team that is currently performing well.
Arsenal vs Manchester United Team News :
Arsenal’s season has been marred by injury concerns, as evidenced by their recent match at the London Stadium, where they departed with several new issues. Gabriel Magalhaes was forced to leave the field at halftime due to a recurrence of an injury sustained against Sporting, raising uncertainty about his availability moving forward.
The situation is similarly precarious for Mikel Merino (knee), Thomas Partey (muscle), and Myles Lewis-Skelly (unspecified), all of whom were sidelined during the victory over West Ham due to injuries incurred in training.
For the home side, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will definitely be absent due to knee injuries, which may open the door for Jakub Kiwior to make his first Premier League start of the season if Gabriel is not deemed fit for the crucial match.
Arsenal should not expect any leniency from Manchester United regarding injury challenges, as the Red Devils faced a significant concern with captain Bruno Fernandes, who exited the match against Everton in the 65th minute and was seen with an ice pack on his ankle while on the bench.
Nonetheless, Amorim has expressed optimism that Fernandes will be ready for the upcoming fixture. However, two players will certainly be unavailable: Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom received crucial yellow cards during the win over Everton and are now suspended.
On a positive note for Amorim, Harry Maguire has returned to fitness following an injury and could replace Martinez in the defense. Additionally, Leny Yoro (foot) may finally be included in a matchday squad, although Jonny Evans (knock) and Victor Lindelof (groin) are likely to miss out once more.
On Tuesday evening, the visitors faced yet another setback with Luke Shaw, who indicated that he is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a new muscular injury.
Arsenal vs Manchester UnitedPredicted & Confirmed Lineups :
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Diallo, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dalot; Zirkzee, Fernandes; Hojlund
