The two most famous teams in England will battle at a sold-out Emirates on Saturday. Arsenal versus Manchester United is always a fixture that most neutrals look forward to in the calendar. This rivalry has been made even juicier in recent seasons by the addition of the Arsène vs José element. It is also a must-win game for both teams considering their respective title challenges.
Arsenal has won their last 12 games at the Emirates, their best streak since moving stadiums. José Mourinho hasn’t won away against a top 6 side in his previous 11 matches. We don’t know who will win, but we know that the game will be a tight affair.
Here are the ideal starting XIs for both teams.
GK: Petr Cech
Petr Cech is undoubtedly Arsenal’s no.1 and his performances this season have only strengthened that opinion. Against Manchester United, his commanding leadership from the back will certainly be needed.
RWB: Hector Bellerín
The Spaniard has seriously upped his game this season, last season he was a wreck, this season’s been a rock. His attacking contributions alongside his defensive positioning have improved significantly, and he’ll have to be in top form to deal with the pacey Marcus Rashford.
RCB: Laurent Koscielny
Captain, leader, legend, Laurent Koscielny is the backbone of Arsenal’s defensive solidity. His excellent 1v1 defending makes him a perfect fit for the RCB role.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
Mustafi is a leader in both mentality and playing style. His combative style of play has led the Gunners to a win in every match he’s played. Up against Romelu Lukaku, he will, however, find his most challenging physical battle yet.
LCB: Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard looks extremely comfortable on the left-hand side of a back three. At times, he’s even bombed forward like a normal LB, but only when it’s not endangered the team.
LWB: Sead Kolašinac
The 24-year-old has been exceptional for the Gunners this season; his powerful frame has bowled over opposing full-backs in its wake. Although, up against Antonio Valencia, the Bosnian will face his toughest test yet.
CDM: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss midfielder has had a tough start to life in England. He’s taken quite some time to adjust to the pace of the league, and some would say he’s still not there. But in glimpses, he’s shown his true ability, and on Saturday, he’ll need to be disciplined and calculated in his tackling.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman looks reborn in the CM role alongside Granit Xhaka. The two have started to develop a strong relationship as Ramsey has taken his positioning in defence more seriously.
RW: Mesut Özil
The German was simply in stunning form against Huddersfield, showing us what he can do when at his best. In the 2nd half he produced 2 assists and scored 1 goal in the space of 4 minutes, that’s what you call world class. And at the Emirates against Manchester United, Özil has a history of turning up.
LW: Danny Welbeck
A groin injury to Alexandre Lacazette means Arsenal’s prolific front three will be re-adjusted for the biggest game of the season so far. However, Danny Welbeck is always one to perform in the big games, especially against his former employers.
ST: Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean has had his best performances in an Arsenal shirt in the CF position. Last season, the 28-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 10 assists, he looked liberated up front as he had less defensive duties.
