Jump directly to the content

Go to <edition> homepage
UPDATES

Arsenal vs Manchester United predicted teams: Injury updates, Pogba and Xhaka latest and tactical breakdown

Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on New Year’s Day with both sides hoping a new decade will bring a return to former glories.

The clash of the fallen giants pits two of the least experienced managers in the Premier League against one another in north London.

Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer met once in their playing careers
6
Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer met once in their playing careersCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta have faced off just once on the itch during their respective Premier League careers.

With United chasing the title in 2007, Sir Alex Ferguson took his beleaguered and injury-ravaged side to Goodison Park to face Everton.

What ensued was a six-goal thriller which ebbed and flowed and fans will be hoping their sole encounter as players will transcend into their management.

Of course, given the attacking abilities and defensive shortcomings of both sides, it is highly likely fans could be treated to a spectacle to ease the hangovers accrued 24 hours earlier.

Solskjaer's side were convincingly beaten by Watford the last time they headed south for an away game
6
Solskjaer's side were convincingly beaten by Watford the last time they headed south for an away gameCredit: AFP or licensors

Team News

Arsenal welcome back Granit Xhaka to action after missing the win over Chelsea with illness, but Calum Chambers is now a long-term injury concern.

The defender limped off against the Blues and could well miss the season, joining Sokratis in the treatment room.

Paul Pogba is expected to make his first start for the club in three months after missing the win over Burnley, with Eric Bailly also ending his length injury exile.

Scott McTominay could be out until February after picking up a knee injury.

Pogba replaced the injured McTominay at half-time against Newcastle
6
Pogba replaced the injured McTominay at half-time against NewcastleCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Match Facts

  • Arsenal have beaten Manchester United just once in the past six attempts (D2, L3).
  • The Gunners  have taken nine league points from the last 36 available to them (W1, D6, L5).
  • Defeat would equal the club league record of four successive home defeats.
  • Their last victory at the Emirates was a 3-2 Europa League triumph over Vitoria Guimaraes on 24 October.
Arsenal's home form is cause for concern
6
Arsenal's home form is cause for concernCredit: Getty Images - Getty
  • Manchester United have lost just once in nine matches in all competitions (W6, D2).
  • The Red Devils are unbeaten in all five Premier League matches against established top-six opposition this season, winning three and drawing two.
  • Only Liverpool earned more Premier League points in December than Manchester United's 14.
  • Anthony Martial has been directly involved in 10 goals in his 13 Premier League starts this season.

Predicted Teams

Arsenal

Here's how the Gunners could look after a defensive re-shuffle
6
Here's how the Gunners could look after a defensive re-shuffleCredit: buildlineup.com

Manchester United

6
Topics
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU
cricket exchange