Arsenal team news: Expected 4-2-3-1 vs Man Utd with Odegaard and Tierney decisions made

Arsenal: Arteta previews Man Utd clash in Premier League

Arsenal are looking to make it seven Premier League games without defeat when Manchester United visit the Emirates today. Mikel Arteta is still without captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to personal reasons. Express Sport has picked the Gunners XI we expect to see line up against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Goalkeeper – Leno

Bernd Leno now has more competition following the arrival of Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton.

However, the German is most definitely Arsenal’s No 1 and has been in fine form of late.

Only three goalkeepers have kept more clean sheets than Leno in the Premier League so far this season.

He will need to be at the top of his game to keep out a United side who are free-scoring away from Old Trafford.

JUST IN: Tottenham boss Mourinho ‘absolutely destroyed’ one Spurs player during Liverpool loss

Defence – Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Tierney

The makeup of the defence depends on the fitness of Kieran Tierney.

The influential left-back was in training on Friday so will be hoping to start against United.

Cedric Soares impressed against his former club Southampton in midweek and is in a straight shootout with Hector Bellerin for the right-back spot if Tierney is available.

Arteta may keep faith with David Luiz alongside Rob Holding, with summer signing Gabriel not playing a single minute of league action since December 16.

DON’T MISS
Liverpool to let defender leave before Monday’s deadline despite injury crisis [REPORT]
Pochettino lifts lid on Man Utd interest before taking charge of PSG [QUOTES]
Man Utd: Ed Woodward’s Haaland move, Sergio Ramos contract, Lingard exit [TRANSFERS]

Midfield – Partey, Xhaka; Smith Rowe

Another injury doubt is Thomas Partey, who was forced off late on at St Mary’s on Tuesday.

However, he trained on Friday and should line up alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield.

Martin Odegaard may have to wait for his full Arsenal debut, with the loan signing perhaps lacking match sharpness due to only playing five minutes for Real Madrid since the beginning of December.

Emile Smith Rowe is set to be available despite picking up a knock at Southampton.

Attack – Saka, Lacazette, Pepe

Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s best player since the turn of the year and has found his best position on the right of the front three.

He has been in fine goalscoring touch and his link-up with Smith Rowe has been a highlight.

Nicolas Pepe got a much-needed goal at Southampton and looked better on the left of the attack.

Alexandre Lacazette continues to loom rejuvenated down the middle, with the younger players all around him.

Arsenal expected XI vs Man Utd in full: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Lacazette.

Source: Read Full Article