The season is winding down, but the fight for second place is heating up. Going into the next match week, Manchester United need the three points to gain a better grip on second place.
Even though Manchester United is in second and Arsenal is in sixth, these old rivals will go toe-to-toe once again in a fight for three points. However, even if Arsenal win, they will not advance out of sixth place. On the other hand, a United loss would not lose second place. Although the three points are not necessary, it would provide reassurance in the club.
Manchester United should stay aware that Arsenal have a chance to upset the Red Devils. For instance, the Gunners have strong strikers in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. It will be up to United’s defense and David de Gea to hold off the attacking power of Arsenal.
While Arsenal can field a dominant attacking side, Manchester United can certainly do the same. For example, Romelu Lukaku is nearing thirty goals in all competitions. The Belgian striker will prove to be an important piece in Mourinho’s puzzle in this weekend’s matchup. Also, Alexis Sanchez will look to continue an impressive run of form, scoring in the FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham.
Arsenal have a deep midfield as well. The club is well-known for their attacking combinations, as they can pick defenses apart at will. Even though they have the capability to do so, United’s defense can stand strong to deny Arsenal the pleasure of scoring a goal.
What players should get the start and why?
Obviously, Lukaku should get the start because he is the team’s leading goal scorer. With Petr Cech in goal, the Belgian’s attacking power could prove to be too much for Arsenal’s goalkeeper.
In addition, Paul Pogba deserves a start because he played a crucial role in the FA Cup semi-final, assisting on Sanchez’s falling header. The Frenchman played a great game against a strong Tottenham team, and it is quite possible that Pogba could keep up the good work.
Jesse Lingard should receive the start as well, as he played a role in the play leading to Herrera’s goal against Tottenham. The English midfielder is fast and efficient, completing numerous passes per game. Time after time, Lingard keeps proving why he deserves the start, and he could run amuck in the Arsenal back line.
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Ultimately, Manchester United can win against Arsenal, but it will take a lot of character. While Arsenal is in sixth place, they can still put up a fight against anybody. In the Premier League, anything is possible. For instance, United lost to West Brom, but that match appeared to be a fluke for United. Will Manchester United deny Arsenal three points this weekend?