Manchester United will welcome old foes Arsenal to Old Trafford for Thursday’s Premier League fixture.
United go into the tie on the back of a hard fought 1-1 draw against league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while the Gunners defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at the Emirates.
United have taken just one point from their last four Premier League games at Old Trafford – scoring only once in that time.
And they are up against an Arsenal side they have not beaten in the English top flight in three years. The last time United beat Arsenal in the league was on April 29 2018 under Jose Mourinho, a 2-1 victory.
Since then, United have gone on six consecutive league fixtures without a win, losing three and drawing three.
Also, the Gunners have not conceded a goal to the Red Devils since September 2019,
With Michael Carrick expected to be in charge against Mikel Arteta’s side, it remains to be seen if United will end their winless streak against their old foes.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire returns from suspension in time to face the Gunners and is sure to slot straight back into the defence.
Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Raphael Varane make up a trio of absentees for the hosts, who are still sweating over the fitness of Luke Shaw due to a head injury.
After not making the starting eleven being against Chelsea, Cristiano Ronaldo should return for United.
As for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka went down holding his groin in the Newcastle win, and Arteta subsequently confirmed that the 20-year-old did feel a muscular problem.
Saka has not been ruled out of this game just yet, but the door has opened for Gabriel Martinelli to earn a deserved start, and Arteta’s only two confirmed absentees at this time are long-term victims Sead Kolasinac (ankle) and Granit Xhaka(knee).
Alexandre Lacazette’s run in the starting lineup came to an end on Saturday as Martin Odegaard returned to the first eleven and it is difficult to see the Norwegian losing his place here.
