Next up for Arsenal during the congested winter months is Manchester United, and this writer is sort of hopeful about the game.
Arsene Wenger doesn’t have the best record against Jose Mourinho and United have developed a habit of going for draws in difficult away games, but Arsenal are in their best form of the season right now. They host United after winning the most recent North London Derby and dismantling Huddersfield Town 5-0, and everyone looks to be playing quite well. Even players like Sead Kolasinac who had a bit of a down game against Huddersfield haven’t been doing poorly—for Arsenal players right now, having a “down game” means being merely good rather than spectacular.
Wenger has said that he doesn’t expect United to park the bus this time, but parking the bus has been a pattern with them away to top teams, so I don’t think we can rule that strategy out. Given Mesut Özil’s brilliance in the last two matches, though, as well as the rest of the team’s recent form, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to hope for a goal or two. Against the team that’s second in the table, a draw would be a fine result, but a loss would probably be a bit disappointing—because with the way Arsenal have been playing recently, they’re capable of winning this game.
Arsenal will unfortunately be without Alexandre Lacazette tomorrow. Lacazette scored the opening goal in just the third minute of play against Huddersfield, but he was subbed off at halftime with a groin injury, and he has been ruled out of the game against United. There was also some concern about Alexis Sánchez, but he and everyone else should be available. Given the opposition, we can expect a strong lineup nearly identical to the one we saw against Spurs and Huddersfield, with either Welbeck or Giroud taking Lacazette’s place. The Gunners will also still be missing Santi Cazorla for the foreseeable future.
Manchester United will have to play without either of their starting centerbacks—Eric Bailly is out with a groin injury and Phil Jones with a thigh injury—and Marouane Fellaini, who has a knee problem. Midfielder Nemanja Matic is also unlikely to play.
WHAT: Arsenal vs. Manchester United
WHEN: Saturday, December 2, 9:30 AM PST | 12:30 PM EST | 5:30 PM GMT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
US TV: NBC
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