The Premier League is entering its busiest phase of the year, i.e. the December phase where we will see a total of 8 matches being played within a span of 30 days only. So, as usual, football fanatics all-around will be quite much excited to see the world’s most fascinating and popular league present its viewers with end-to-end action and some top-quality football both in the weekend and midweek. Starting with the midweek fixtures, we have a high-voltage clash tonight between two of the top clubs in England. manchester united square off against old-rivals Arsenal at the OldTrafford in what would be a must-win game for both teams.
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United are gradually distancing themselves from the title after constant bad results which continue to woe them. They have only won 4 league games since September and certainly, this isn’t what you expect from Manchester United. After the sacking of Ole. Things are in the right direction under Carrick and it showed positive signs last weekend. Carrick’s men held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the StamfordBridge and it would give them much-needed confidence. The Red-Devils definitely need to play above their ranks as a combined unit if they are to beat Arsenal.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is on the rise after consecutive disastrous losses in the first three matches. Arteta has mastered a remarkable turnaround for the London-based team which saw Arsenal remaining unbeaten from September until the 0-4 drubbing against Liverpool last to last week. The players have started to return to their best and are now showing what they are capable of. Still, Arsenal needs to get rid of their inconsistency if they’re willing to challenge for the title and win big games. Let’s wait and watch if the North Londoners can continue on their excellent form and upset United at OLD TRAFFORD.
Why to watch out for
The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United was one of the most enchanting ones in the 90s and early 2000s. Their duels trace back to October 1894 when they played between them for the first time. Since then, this encounter has always produced thrillers and goalposts as well as crazy last-time winners. It’s no wonder that it awaits an entertaining clash for the viewers this time too. So there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t watch this clash. After a long time, you’ll have a PL clash at midnight and we can undoubtedly say it’s gonna be an eventful one that will lit up the calm midnight environment.
The desperateness of both sides to win this add clash spices it up even more. A win would place United in a better position before Rangnick’s arrival and take them to 6th just behind Arsenal. Whereas, an Arsenal victory would result in them replacing WestHam in the fourth spot. So, all is set for a glorious and grand clash at the Theatre of Dreams. The action gets underway at 1:45 IST.
Recent Form
Manchester United
The Red Devils are facing Arsenal after producing a stellar show against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days earlier. Carrick’s men managed to hold a resilient Chelsea to a 1-1 draw while also producing a decent performance in the meantime. United went ahead courtesy of a fine strike from Jadon Sancho into the top corner from a terrible Jorginho mistake. Chelsea equalized shortly after Jorginho converted a controversial penalty by sending De Gea the wrong way. The London Club though controlled the proceedings, with a whopping 24 shots towards goal and 66% possession of the ball. But somehow United did escape with a draw thanks to some excellent saves from De Gea. In their last five games in PL, United have only won once and lost thrice. Let’s see if their winning run commences from their Arsenal game or not.
FORM GUIDE – LWLLD (PL) WDLLW (ALL COMPETITIONS)
Arsenal
The Gunners are coming onto this match on the back of a convincing 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley. It was a complete domination by the North London club over the minnows who are now relegation-threatened. Saka opened the scoring and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute after the break. Gabriel Martinelli then doubled their lead within a few minutes after coming on as a substitute. In all, it was a memorable night for Arteta’s who looked like a much complete side. They had a whopping 24 shots aimed towards Newcastle’s goal and retained 66% of the possession. But due to some lack of creativity in the final third, they finished the game with a two-goal lead only. Now it remains to be seen whether they can come on top against a depleted United-side which’s fighting for survival.
FORM GUIDE – WWWLW (ALL COMPETITIONS)
Team News
Manchester United
The Manchester-based outfit doesn’t have much to ponder for when it comes to injuries. The only notable absentees will be the French duo of Raphael Varane (hamstring injury) and Paul Pogba ( thigh injury). Club-Captain Harry Maguire returns to action after serving a one-match suspension Vs Watford and could feature against the Gunners. Edinson Cavani is also ruled out of the fixture while Luke Shaw remains a serious doubt for the game. Other than these, Carrick has a fit squad to choose his starting XI.
Arsenal
The Gunners will be traveling to Old Trafford with their full squad being available for the game. The only concern is Bukayo Sala who suffered a muscular injury against Newcastle. Others who are injured are long-term absentees Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka. Apart from these, there are no injury concerns in the team as of now.
Head to Head
The 127-year-old rivalry between these two legacy holding clubs has seen a record 235 games being played between them. Manchester United has a slight advantage with 83 wins while Arsenal has registered 72 wins. The remaining 80 games failed to yield any result.
The most recent match between these two at the Emirates Stadium last year ended in a 0-0 draw. It remains to be seen what we have up for this time at the OLD TRAFFORD.
Important Stats
• Manchester United have remained winless in their last six games against the Gunners stretching back to 2018.
• Last time Arsenal faced United at Old Trafford, they beat them 1-0. If they win tomorrow, they would win consecutive games at the stadium after 42 years.
• Arsenal have a clean sheet against United in their last three games and can keep it this time too.
• The Gunners have scored only three away goals so far this season. They have failed to score in four of the six PL games under Artefacts this year.
•Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng has a superb record against United and is well on course to become the first Arsenal player to score in three consecutive games at the Old Trafford.
• Cristiano Ronaldo also fires against Arsenal. The Portuguese superstar has 6 goals in 15 games against the Reds of London.
Players to watch out for
Manchester United
Jadon Sancho
The Dortmund-Youngster has recently regained his lost form under Carrick and has started to show the world his actual potential. This Extremely talented lad from City’s Youth- Academy has excellent dribbling qualities coupled with Pin-point crossing and timely help to the defense. His creativity on the pitch is an invaluable asset for his side. In two appearances after Ole’a sacking, he has scored in both. We fancy his chances to score yet again for his side and help his side register a win.
David De Gea
The Spanish-goalie is now officially called the “Saviour” by the United fans for his remarkable performances every day against every team. He literally saves the whole team from drowning every day by producing some outrageous saves to deny the opposition from scoring. His reflexes, anticipatory power, and long-range diving abilities make him one of the toughest to beat. Against Arsenal, all the job will rest upon DeGea to shoulder the responsibility of stopping the deadly front trio of them.
Arsenal
Emily Smith-Rowe
The young Englishman is one of the future prospects of England and a rising young star in Arsenal. At only 21 years of age, he has established himself as a dependable man in the squad. He is the gem of a talent who has the ability to be one of the best in the business. His on-field prowess and playmaking ability find praises from all the pundits. This season, he already has registered 4 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances. Arteta will once again depend upon him to deliver against United and take his side over the victory line.
Aaron Ramsdale
Another young Englishman, Aaron Ramsdale only joined Arsenal from Sheffield in the summer transfer window. Since then he has replaced Leno as the first-choice and established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers in PL. His saves are a delight to watch. Many times he has saved Arteta from certain losses with some match-winning saves. As defensive blunders continue at Arsenal, Ramsdale is the pillar who can Artera depend upon easily. Against United, he would be the man on a mission to contain the likes of Ronaldo, Sancho, and Rashford.
Conclusion
The battle between the Reds of Manchester with the Reds of London is expected to produce another breathtaking and dramatic clash as it has always turned out to be. Both sides need a win to keep their title hopes alive and none can afford a slipup at this stage. Expect a fierce encounter to unfold at the theatre of dreams that will surely bring goosebumps to you amidst the darkness of the night!!
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