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Match preview
Will Arsenal pass another tough examination of their title credentials?
Last weekend, the Gunners swatted aside Tottenham 2-0, winning a North London derby on the road for the first time in nine years.
The breakthrough came after just 14 minutes, Bukayo Saka provoking a calamitous own goal out of Hugo Lloris, before Martin Ødegaard’s sweet strike helped secure the win.
Mikel Arteta’s team are now unbeaten in 12 Premier League games, winning ten of them, so start Sunday five points clear of Manchester City, having played a game less.
Assuming the champions beat Wolves earlier in the day, which all logic dictates will happen, that gap will be down to just two by kick off in North London.
Arsenal have lost only once in the league this season, beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, so can Manchester United repeat that feat?
Bruno Fernandes equalising, with a little help from a defiantly not interfering Marcus Rashford, before Rashford definitively made his mark four minutes later, turning home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.
This meant that the Red Devils had won five successive league games, and nine in a row in all competition, leading to a bit of title talk amongst those at the Theatre of Dreams.
Well, those dreams quickly went up in flames on Wednesday night, with Man United suffering a damaging night at Selhurt Park.
Fernandes’ strike had seemingly secured an away victory, only for Crystal Palace to pinch a stoppage time point, courtesy of Olise’s stunning free-kick.
So, Man United kick off eight points below their hosts, having played a game more, really needing to win this one to be back in the title conversation.
Arsenal though are unbeaten at home this season, losing just three of their last 26 Premier League home games, winning three of the last four when Man United have been in town.
So, will the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table by claiming, yet another, statement victory?
Arsenal team news
Arsenal’s XI is very settled right now and, with a week to prepare for this massive game, Mikel Arteta is extremely likely to name an unchanged side.
Thomas Partey missed the reverse fixture injured and it is no coincidence that this is the only game they’ve lost so far.
His midfield partner, Granit Xhaka, has scored three times against Manchester United, all coming at home, the most he’s ever netted against any opponent.
New signing Leandro Trossard, who completed his move from Brighton on Friday, is available so could make his debut off the bench.
Gabriel, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka would all miss the trip to Goodison suspended if booked here.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah.
Manchester United team news
The headline news ahead of this game is that Casemiro is suspended, having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday.
This is a massive blow because, to say the Brazilian has been fundamental to Man United’s upsurge, would be an understatement.
So, what will Erik ten Hag do?
Well, he’ll probably bring in both Scott McTominay and Fred, alongside Christian Eriksen, with Bruno Fernandes pushed out wide, as he was in the Manchester derby.
Striker Wout Weghorst had a low-key debut against Crystal Palace, so it’ll be interesting to see if he or Antony, who netted his first goal for the club in the reverse fixture, drop out.
Anthony Martial hobbled off last weekend so will not feature in this one but Marcus Rashford, who’s scored 16 goals this season, certainly will.
David de Gea once made 14 saves in a win at the Emirates, a Premier League record, and he could be busy again.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martínez, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Eriksen; Fernandes, Antony, Rashford.
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Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match statistics
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