OLD TRAFFORD UNDER SIEGE
Paul Pogba(Left) is set to return from injury to ensure Aubameyang and Arsenal leave Old Trafford with no prizes.
What you need to know:
So Arsenal might be in trouble defensively, but there’s little doubting their attacking firepower. Unai Emery’s side showed great character to pull off the comeback win against Aston Villa on Sunday, despite being one man down. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s scored in every single game so far, he’ll look to continue his wondrous form at United’s expense.
Just when it looked like Manchester United were getting back on track and even had the opportunity to go 3rd in the Premier League table, they crumbled down once again. This has been a recurring nightmare for far too many years now and a crucial clash against Arsenal on Monday night puts pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to prove himself.
In more ways than one, these teams are like two sides of the same coin. United have been strong defensively so far, keeping a few clean-sheets, but underwhelming going forward. On the other hand, Arsenal are scoring goals for fun, but conceding them equally hilariously.
United have statistically been unlucky with 13 expected points, but positive xPTS doesn’t win you matches! With Arsenal’s decisive attacking line looking well-synched, United must dig in deep and most importantly, take their chances to get back to winning ways.
With only two wins in United’s last 12 Premier League matches, OGS finds himself in hot water with everyone involved at the club. Granted, the injuries haven’t helped, but his decision to sell off Romelu Lukaku or Alexis Sanchez without a replacement is proving costly.
The Red Devils are now desperately lacking a forward, with Rashford’s injury meaning only Martial or Greenwood are the options remaining. Ole hopes his French Duo of Martial and Pogba can tune up the band to get the job done against Arsenal.
They’ve already contributed towards five goals out of United’s eight in the league this season, with Pogba being OGS’ only reliable creative link. United might not be the most relentless attacking side, but will take their chances against a broken Arsenal back-line.
As long as his best attackers are in line for selection, Ole must throttle his side to run at Arsenal with pace and trickery. Pogba will be crucial with his forward through-balls, while the pacy Daniel James must link well with Martial to penetrate through their unstable backline.
Nicolas Pepe also opened his score-sheet, now starting to look the venomous winger they spent a club-record for.
