Manchester United could nail Arsenal's coffin on Sunday with the Gunners needing a win to stay in the title race with only two games remaining to play. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)
Manchester United vs. ArsenalOld Trafford4:30pm
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| Manchester United could nail Arsenal's coffin on Sunday with the Gunners needing a win to stay in the title race with only two games remaining to play. (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
Arsenal’s hope of winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 suffered a setback on Saturday as reigning champions Manchester City blew Fulham out of the water at Craven Cottage.
Josko Gvardiol scored twice in a 4-0 romp, a result that took the Citizens above Arsenal on the log and confirmed what everyone already knew: City wins their remaining two, and since they’re champions, Arsenal must now beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and hope City slips in any of their remaining two.
Manchester United received a big boost in midweek with Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes joining Marcus Rashford in training after all three recovered from respective injuries, but Erik Ten Hag could allow the Argentine utility defender Martinez to heal properly ahead of the FA Cup final against City.
United saw Chelsea claw back victory from the jaws of defeat at Nottingham Forest; the win moved Chelsea to pole position for the Conference League spot with 6th in sight after Newcastle United dropped points against Brighton at St. James’s Park.
To stand a chance to make Europe via the league, United must beat Arsenal, but they could also look at the fact that they’re in the cup final against the Cityzens, which could guarantee them a spot in the Europa League if they win it.
Arsenal’s equation is simple: they cannot win the league anymore if they drop any points at Old Trafford; they’re condemned to win, and Mikel Arteta is aware of this. They must do what they haven’t done more than once in the last five seasons.
How will they line up? Given the severe depletion of the hosts, it is likely that the centre-back pairing of Casemiro and Johnny Evans will return, with Martinez likely to start from the bench and Scott McTominay potentially bolstering the midfield.
United isn’t such a light field; they can rely on the pace of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, with Bruno Fernandes feeding them. Arsenal could exploit their highline, but United will struggle with possession.
The visitors will assess Takehiro Tomiyasu late on as he’s struggling with an ankle problem, while Bukayo Saka is also in doubt after suffering from a deep cut against Bournemouth. On Arteta's side, everyone else is available for selection.
Arsenal remains the favourite to win here; watch out for Kai Havertz and his unpredictable movements. Arsenal’s defensive solidity will be key again, but they must be wary of long balls and a certain Marcus Rashford who comes alive on days like this.