Takehiro Tomiyasu could be in contention to return, while Mohamed Elneny should start again when Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will be aiming to boost their chances of a top-four finish in the Premier League when they take on fellow challengers and arch-rivals Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has no fresh injury concerns leading up to the game, with Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey being the only confirmed absentees. The Spanish tactician provided an update on the situation of Takehiro Tomiyasu in his pre-match press conference as well, saying, “If he trains today and he feels good then he will be available tomorrow yes.”
Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
While the Japanese international may be in contention, it is unlikely that he would be in a position to start against Manchester United. So, Arsenal are likely to go in with Cedric Soares at right-back, while Nuno Tavares occupies the left side of the defence. There is no looking past Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes as the centre-backs. Aaron Ramsdale should continue under the woodwork for the home team.
Mohamed Elneny got a rare starting opportunity in midweek against Chelsea, and he made the most of his chance by putting in a solid display. Arteta praised the Egyptian international ahead of the Manchester United clash, saying, “I will say that for me he’s one of the most important players in the squad.”
“For what he does when you give him the chance to play and for the things that he does when he doesn’t play. It’s a phenomenal person and then you have to judge the footballer as well that sometimes doesn’t get probably the credit that he deserves.”
Elneny should, in all likelihood, retain his spot in the centre of the park in the continued absence of Thomas Partey. He will have Granit Xhaka as his partner in the double pivot for Arsenal against Manchester United, while Martin Odegaard dons the playmaking responsibilities from the No. 10 role.
Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed starter out on the right flank for the Gunners. Fellow academy graduates Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom starred in the win against Chelsea, should hold on to their places in attack. It would mean Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette remain as substitutes once again.
Arsenal Predicted XI: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Nketiah
