Arsenal v. Manchester United: for most of the marbles

Arsenal and Spurs proper hate each other. But the Arsenal - Manchester United rivalry has more history, better players, and more drama. Even though today’s match against Manchester United isn’t a cup final, it’s about as important of a match between the two clubs as has been played recently.

If one of the clubs manage a win, they’ll have the inside track to a top four spot. If Arsenal win, they leapfrog United in the table and pull to within one of Spurs for third. If United win, they go two results ahead of Arsenal and level with Spurs for third.

Big. Game.

Unfortunately, United seem to be coming out of their injury crisis at the wrong time for the Gunners. Anthony Martial, Nemanja Matic, and Ander Herrera are all expected to be available. Jesse Lingard, who has missed time lately with an injury, trained on Friday. Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez probably won’t be available, but let’s be honest, would they play over the rest of United’s squad even if they were fit?

Arsenal are fully fit (apart from the long-term injuries). Lucas Torreira is unavailable due to suspension. Expect Alexandre Lacazette, who missed out on the loss at Rennes and will miss out on the return leg due to suspension, to start.

The good news is if the Gunners lose, it’s not the end of the world. United are Arsenal’s last top 6 opponent this season. The Reds still have Chelsea and City. They are probably going to drop points in at least one of those matches. But a loss today will definitely put Arsenal behind the eight ball. My goodness, please win.

Lineups:

Arsenal - Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette

Manchester United - De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw, Matic, Fred, Pogba, Dalot, Lukaku, Rashford

FOR OUR AMERICAN READERS: REMEMBER THAT THE CLOCKS MOVE FORWARD ONE HOUR ON SATURDAY NIGHT.

WHAT: Arsenal vs Manchester United

WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London

WHEN: Sunday, March 10th, 9:30 AM PT | 12:30 PM ET | 4:30 PM BT

US TV: NBC

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