Insight and Analysis: Manchester United vs Arsenal Premier League 2021 Match Preview.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Premier League 2021 Match Preview, Injuries/Suspension, Match Facts, Team News, Prediction and Where to Watch.
This week, Manchester United introduced Ralf Rangnick as the club’s new temporary manager. Ushering in a new era for the ‘Red Devils.’
United supporters will be hopeful that his presence would breathe new life into a team that has picked up the fewest number of Premier League (PL) points (five) in an eight-game period in the competition’s history (W1, D2, L5).
Despite their poor form, the hosts are only five points out of the top four at the start of the gameweek.
As a result, a win here, combined with favourable results elsewhere, may bring Man United back in contention for a Champions League spot.
That won’t be easy, given their current H2H record against Arsenal, as they’ve gone winless in their last six Premier League matches (D3, L3).
The Champions League hopefuls came back from a 4-0 setback to Liverpool by defeating Newcastle United 2-0 last weekend, giving them just one defeat in their previous ten Premier League games (W7, D2).
In each of their last three triumphs, they have kept a clean sheet, a record they have also accomplished in each of their last three games with United.
Given Mikel Arteta’s team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal on the road this season, another shutout could be key in obtaining a positive result.
The North Londoners have failed to score in four of their six Premier League away matches, and only Norwich City had scored less away goals in total before the gameweek (three).
Players To Watch
Jadon Sancho has scored twice in the second half of his previous two competitive United games, indicating that he is now finding his feet.
Pierre-Emerick Although Aubameyang’s four Premier League goals this season have all come at home, he has scored in his last two away league meetings against United.
Hot Stats
Only two of Manchester United’s 14 Premier League games have been played on a Thursday (W8, D4).
Read more Everton vs Liverpool Premier League 2021 Match PreviewTeams News
Manchester United
On Monday, Ralf Rangnick was named Manchester United’s temporary manager, but Michael Carrick will remain in charge until his work visa situation is settled.
Until then, it’s unclear whether Rangnick will have any say in team selection.
Harry Maguire is back in action after serving a one-match suspension.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Carrick named Maguire on the bench after benching Bruno Fernandes and then Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend.
Eric Bailly had a good game against Chelsea on Sunday and will be unlucky if he is relegated to the bench on Thursday.
Carrick may opt for a back three against Arsenal, however Rangnick prefers the 4-3-1-2 formation utilized against Chelsea.
After a second stint out with concussion, Luke Shaw should be back in the mix, although Alex Telles could keep his spot in the side.
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka was forced off against Newcastle on Saturday due to a thigh injury and may not be able to play against Manchester United.
Gabriel Martinelli came on to replace Saka and scored just minutes later, so he’ll be hoping for a start here.
At the weekend, Martin Odegaard earned his first Premier League start in over a month, and he could continue here.
Nuno Tavares is still keeping Kieran Tierney out of the lineup, and after an assist against Newcastle, that looks certain to continue.
Factors to Consider
Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Manchester United’s previous five encounters against Arsenal in all competitions.
In all competitions, Arsenal has preserved a clean sheet in their last three matches against Manchester United.
Arsenal has won nine of their last ten games (Premier League).
Arsenal has won all five of their matches against Manchester United in all competitions.
Prediction
As Manchester United’s caretaker manager, Michael Carrick followed up a 2-0 win away to Villarreal with a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Sunday.
Ralf Rangnick has been named as United’s interim manager until the end of the season.
But he is awaiting the approval of his work visa, meaning Carrick might still take charge of the game on Thursday.
Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 on Saturday to draw level on points with fourth-placed West Ham after a devastating setback to Liverpool.
Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of the last five meetings between the two teams, and another tight battle is expected here.
Where To Watch
Amazon Prime Video (UK), Canal+ 4K Ultra (Pol), CANAL+ Sport (Pol), DAZN Japan, Digi Sport 1 (Hun), Eurosport 1 (Rom), Premier Sport 1 (Cze), Setanta Sports Eurasia, Setanta Sports (Ukr), Sky Sport (Ger), Sport TV (Por), Viaplay (Den), Viaplay (Fin), Viaplay (Swe), V Sport Premium (Swe), V Sport Ultra (Swe), Xee (Den), Ziggo Kanaal 14, Ziggo Sport Select, Ziggo Sport Voetbal
