Henderson, Cavani And Shaw To Start, De Gea Dropped: United’s Predicted XI To Face Arsenal

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3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester United News, Match Previews

Tags: Arsenal, David De Gea, Manchester United

The timing of Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal this weekend is hardly ideal after a shock home loss to Sheffield United during the week.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to rotate his side against the Blades, but the decision failed to pay off with the team looking disjointed both in defence and attack.

In contrast, the Gunners are going into the game in confident mood after a comfortable victory versus Southampton so this is likely to be a difficult game. Solskjaer will be determined to avoid consecutive defeats.

Press the next page as we go through the starting eleven that we think will face Arsenal.

GK – Dean Henderson

Although it can be argued that David De Gea was fouled for the first, the fact is, the Spaniard was at fault for both of Sheffield United’s goals. He failed to deal with the corner which Kean Bryan scored from, and a terrible clearance eventually led to Oli Burke’s winner.

With that being the case, Henderson deserves his chance to stake his claim for a first-team place. It would be a big call from Solskjaer but he merits his opportunity in the league.

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The fullback was surprisingly one of the most threatening players going forward against Sheffield United. Whether that was because Blades boss Chris Wilder opted to ignore the 23-year-old and asked his defenders to focus on United’s attacking players, it doesn’t really matter.

If Wan-Bissaka can improve his output in the final third of the pitch, he could be a tremendous asset going into the second half of the season.

CB – Eric Bailly

Solskjaer confirmed that the Ivorian missed the Liverpool and Sheffield United games due to a knock but it will be hoped that he is fit and available again for the trip to the Emirates.

United look far more secure at the back with Bailly partnering Harry Maguire than either Victor Lindelof or Axel Tuanzebe.

CB – Harry Maguire

The captain was a major threat in the opposing box, scoring the equaliser as well as playing a role in Anthony Martial’s disallowed goal in the first half.

However, Maguire was less impressive defensively, with the Blades’ front two exploiting gaps in behind.

LB – Luke Shaw

While Alex Telles did get an assist for Maguire’s goal, he was suspect at the back against Sheffield United and Shaw will undoubtedly come back into the team for the game at the Emirates.

The Englishman probably was due a break but it does show how much United miss him when he isn’t playing now.

CM – Scott McTominay

Nemanja Matic was pretty poor during the week and Solskjaer will almost certainly opt for the power and energy that McTominay provides instead when they face the Gunners.

In big games, the Scottish international is usually deployed alongside Fred so it remains to be seen if the pair will line up in the starting eleven to face Arsenal.

CM – Paul Pogba

This is a difficult one. The Frenchman has been in excellent form and, like Fernandes, he is a matchwinner but he wasn’t at his most effective versus the Blades.

We suspect that Solskjaer will keep Pogba in for this one, although there is a chance that Fred will be picked ahead of him.

AM – Bruno Fernandes

The Portuguese international simply couldn’t get into the game on Wednesday night but he should get more joy at the Emirates where Arsenal are likely to play much higher up the pitch.

Fernandes thrives in space and he will be looking to get in between the lines to cause havoc this weekend.

RW – Mason Greenwood

Greenwood’s form has improved recently. His goal against Liverpool combined with another decent display during the week should be enough to get him a start against the Gunners.

He did miss a clear-cut chance against Sheffield United but he is consistently getting into dangerous areas again and he will be looking to exploit any opportunities on the counter-attack this Saturday.

CF – Edinson Cavani

Anthony Martial’s woeful display on Wednesday means the Frenchman will likely be replaced in the starting eleven for the Arsenal clash.

Cavani is always sharp and he will be looking to take advantage of any vulnerabilities in the Gunners’ defence at the weekend.

LW – Marcus Rashford

Barring one chance against the Blades, the forward had a pretty quiet night, as Chris Wilder side’s low block meant there were very few chances to use his pace.

Rashford should be able to cause problems for Arsenal on the left flank with neither Cedric nor Hector Bellerin known for their defensive capabilities.