Previews and Predictions : Well, here we go! The first big rivalry match of Arsenals 23/24 Premier League run. A big result is needed. A big statement is needed! Here is how we go about getting it. The breakdown below:
I am writing this preview the morning of the transfer deadline day. Is that premature… perhaps? But history tells me even if Arsenal do make a late deadline day deal they will not be starting immediately. Likely is the case for Manchester United, with them just completing the loan deal for Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham… cover for Shaw, but an option to return in January a strange deal to say the least. At this moment they are still vying for Sofiyan Amrabat too, but that is a slow burn.
The lineups:
As we always do here at Art of Analysis here is our predicted lineup. Now with Tomiyasu available following suspension I fully expect him to be starting in the LB position. Zinchenko simply isn’t ready for a full 90. Now the question remains for the rest of the back line. My heart tells me Arteta brings back Gabriel to partner Saliba at CB and move White to RB as he should be all season long. Given the demands of the game Partey at CDM makes sense.
However my head says, Mikel will stick to his tactical changes whilst our LB spot is up in the air with Partey and White pivot at CB to RB to CDM roles. I hope for our case he goes with the former as we need to go with a shape we can do the most damage with whilst also protecting our back line.
What I will say and to his credit, is if Mikel does flex from the lineup tactic he has been using so far, it will be in the 8 role. Fabio Vieira will be shining this game. Mikel has a particular favouritism towards Vieira when playing against Utd. We have seen him be utilised as a sub to change the game often when Arsenal play Utd in the past with his direct approach. Now in year 2 he has clearly adapted to the league and the style of play needed to thrive as shown in his appearance against Fulham. I wouldn’t be too surprised to be seeing him start this game.
And no, no David Raya start this week.
The Opposition:
United will be without several key players on Sunday, and that surely tilts the contest in Arsenal’s favour. United have, Shaw, Malacia, Varane, Mount, Diallo and Højlund all on the injured list. Whilst Arsenal are missing Timber from the starting XI.
This weakened Utd side has been them be frantic in the transfer window and in particular this deadline day.
Head to head sees this fierce affair often end in a goal fest. With one side being on the end of a more flattering scoreline. With this being said, Arsenal should expect a Utd who intend to hold them at the Emirates to contain their flair and frustrate them.
Arsenal need to show flair and penetration to get through this Utd team and pick off a GK in Onana who is still getting used to his club, his back line and the league in general.
Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in recent games both home and away. Both Nottingham Forest and Fulham have found the net at the Emirates so far both games were the result of indivudal errors leading to goals. That being said our opposition are not exactly fluid in their game either. With Ten Haags men looking particularly out of place when in transition and dropping down the league with a mid table xG of 5.2. The team have looked out of control in some of their games against lesser opposition.
This promises to be an entertaining affair. One where Arsenal will be dominant but once again will need to be penetrative with their football.
The Keys to Winning:
Our spine must be strong this game. What do I mean by that? Well the PFA Team of the Year players must do what they do best, and give a team of the year performance.
Come on I had to get that in here. Just look at how good our boys are. Stars already, and the world knows it. We’ve got one hell of a squad here and they need to show the killer instinct once more.
In particular its going to need to be the Bukayo Saka show! Just like we did against Forest, Arsenal must overcome the likely defensive block designed to frustrate and stifle the creative play. Once again individual excellence must shine in the form of a Saka cut inside and shot from outside the box. This game I expect shots from outside the box will be needed to cut through the defensive shape of United.
Another one to look out for is Eddie Nketiah, he has scored back-to-back now. This form and this confidence is expected to carry through once again and he will be the poacher we all know. Certainly will be the case if Fabio Vieira starts and connects well with his direct distribution to the box.
Conclusion:
This is going to be an entertaining affair. With the backline being what it is (of course that’s up to Mikel and not the fans online) and going off previous history. I don’t see us keeping a clean sheet. However I do see us being the most attacking side and needed to take our chances. 3-1 seems right once again with the goals coming from Eddie and Saka. Once again, Arsenal needs to be dominant, decisive and direct here. Mikel and the Gunners do not want to start giving the red side of Manchester something to talk about.
POTM: Saka
Result: 3 – 1 Arsenal
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Written by Reekesh Somaroo