David De Gea
Matteo Darmain, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Ashley Young
Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick
Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay
Anthony Martial
In Manchester United’s last game, against VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League, Antonio Valencia was brought off, just after half time, and replaced by Ashley Young at right back.
After the switch, Manchester United went on to score the winner but also sustain very heavy attacking pressure from the German side. Though Smalling was the star of the defensive display, Jones, Young and Darmian also played their part.
As Ashley Young’s natural position is on the left, it would make sense for Darmian to return to his favoured side, where he has performed so well this season.
Despite Bastian Schweinsteiger’s beast mode performance in midweek, van Gaal is most likely going to return to his Premier League midfield duo of Carrick and Schneiderlin, as Carrick is now fit to play.
Ander Herrera is said to still be suffering from a knock but, if deemed fit on match day, he could start alongside Carrick as Morgan played in midweek.
The top four should remain the same, unless one sustains a late injury. Anthony Martial will be looking for his 4th Premier League goal in just 4 games. The French striker will have to best a potentially Koscielny-less Arsenal defence in order to keep his incredible form going.
Juan Mata is in great form in the Premier League. He has claimed an assist and scored a goal in each of his last 2 Prem games. He also achieved this midweek, against VfL Wolfsburg.
Phil Jones will likely be subbed on in the final third of the game to aid his return to full match fitness.
Louis van Gaal allowed the players a day off from training due to tiredness so it would not be surprising if a few more changes are made to the team.
For example: Blind could play at left back whilst Jones gets his first start of the season; Ashley Young could start at left wing instead of Memphis Depay; Marouane Fellaini could get the nod ahead of Schneiderlin in the middle of midfield or; Andreas Pereira could come in attacking midfield, over Rooney, or he could play of the left wing.
Manchester United face Arsenal in North London at 16:00 today. It will also be shown on Sky Sports 1 HD.
