Whilst the form table would have Arsenal as firm favourites, the Gunners must still be at their best when they take on Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal will travel to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United this weekend.
This match could have a huge impact on the Premier League title race, as the Gunners must win both of their remaining two games to stand any chance at all of being crowned champions.
Mikel Arteta will be doing all that he can to keep his players calm and composed ahead of this fixture. Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal still stand “a great chance” of wining the league, but they will need to be at their best to get the three points they need against this ailing Manchester United side.
Erik ten Hag is fighting for his life at Manchester United
The Red Devils have won once in their last seven Premier League outings, as they have dropped points against Burnley, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Brentford. They endured a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace last time out.
Erik ten Hag may very well be out of a job this summer, but he will be desperate to elicit a response from his players on Sunday. Given the historic rivalry between the two sides, Manchester United will also feel that their pride is at stake.
Arsenal can’t afford to look at their hosts’ recent form and dismiss them on that basis. Manchester United are likely to find a new level this weekend.
Arsenal defensive weakness will be targeted
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a doubt for this match as he was absent from Arsenal training during the week. This will create a selection headache for Arteta at left-back. Either Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko will come into the starting XI, should the Japan international be deemed unfit to play.
Kiwior lacks attacking impetus and would hamper the Gunners’ ability to construct attacks up their left flank. Meanwhile, Zinchenko is considered a defensive liability.
Whichever option Arteta goes with, Manchester United are likely to target the left flank of the Gunners’ rearguard, seeing it as a weak point they may be able to exploit. The likes of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Magalhaes will all have to be alert to this threat and willing to provide additional cover in that part of the pitch.
Old Trafford ghosts could come back to haunt Arsenal on huge occasion
Arsenal do not have a good record at Old Trafford. They have not won a Premier League fixture there since 2020, in a match that was played behind closed doors due to Covid 19 restrictions.
In 2011, it was the scene of one of their greatest humiliations in the modern era, as they were beaten 8-2 by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Arsenal cannot afford to play the occasion on Sunday. On paper they have what it takes to beat this Manchester United side. They outclass them across the park, in fact. Nerves and pressure will play a part, though, as may history. Arsenal must master these elements.