Arsenal face Manchester United in their second USA pre-season tour game. Both clubs are struggling with injuries; Erik ten Hag’s troubles became especially clear following their defeat at Crystal Palace.
Can the Gunners turn things around? Here is a look at their likely Arsenal F.C. vs Manchester United F.C. Lineups.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour due to an ongoing knee issue, though is expected to return this season although may not start on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka could miss out if his injury lingers – the wing-back sustained a gash in his leg during training this week and if not fit to play quickly he could sit out until later this season.
Mikel Arteta should keep the same starting eleven, featuring Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya in defence and Thomas Partey as a centre midfielder if necessary to cover for injured Tomiyasu Tomiyasu.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice may not look or act like an up-and-comer at Arsenal, but his leadership skills make up for any lack of experience he may possess. Together with William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli he should do an effective job protecting their defense.
He’s an outstanding ball-winner, covering ground well to win possession in midfield. As such, many have likened his performance to that of N’Golo Kante – and that comparison certainly is justified.
Arteta will likely name an unchanged starting eleven for tomorrow’s match against Bournemouth, although Emile Smith Rowe could miss out again should his move to Fulham get approved on time, meaning Eddie Nketiah should lead the line and Leandro Trossard could play on the left wing.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been an international player ever since his debut with the MU16s, MU17s and MU19s in September 2020. Later he excelled for the MU21s before making his senior debut a month later in October.
He made his Arsenal debut during 2024-21 season, impressing both league and FA Cup opponents alike. Additionally, he represented England at both UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 tournaments.
Natural left-footer, he has predominantly been deployed in an inverted right winger role during youth levels and at senior level he has mostly opted to play this position at senior level – his best game came against Brighton when deployed here – where he excelled brilliantly, and it may well remain his long-term position. He excels at setting up goals from deep areas while targeting back post with chipped balls; boasts impressive close control and dribbling skills; uses stepovers to draw defenders’ attention before pushing into position before pushing to one side.
Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale will hope that Saturday’s match against Manchester City offers him the chance to regain his place as Arsenal goalkeeper. At 21, he joined ahead of 2021/22 season and, after dethroning Bernd Leno as number one goalkeeper, it appeared his career would blossom at North London club. However, due to an injury sustained at training earlier in his tenure there, this plan didn’t materialize as expected.
Since UEFA Euro 2020 returned, David Raya has dislodged Ramsdale from the first team and moved him into second string – compounded with him being on loan from Brentford with an eye towards signing him permanently for an estimated price tag of PS30 million in summer 2019.
But due to Premier League regulations stating loan players cannot play against their parent clubs, Ramsdale could make his return in goal and will hope to make amends for his error that led to Yoane Wissa scoring an equaliser against Brentford last week.
David Raya
Raya would provide Manchester United with an upgrade over De Gea when it comes to long-range passing, and has shown his ability to handle pressure in the Premier League. Selling off injured Henderson would help generate funds that would allow them to bring Raya on board without breaking their budget too drastically.
As Arsenal’s hero in their 0-0 draw away to Atalanta, he saved both penalties and rebound efforts from Italy striker Mateo Retegui to help secure an important point – and will surely play an equally pivotal role at Old Trafford.
Spurs’ injury concerns continue with Yves Bissouma picking up an injury on international duty and could miss out, while Rodrigo Bentancur battles to make the squad. Micky van de Ven is back and could partner the returning centre-backs while Martin Odegaard should start at right back.
William Saliba
After an impressive opening to the season, Saliba should keep his place at centre back for this game. Unlike Mustafi, who was known for being more impetuous when it came to interceptions and tackles than making them quickly and aggressively, Saliba prefers playing on his heels and making tackles rather than charging forward in search of interceptions.
He can find teammates with intelligent vertical passes that break through an opponent’s midfield screen, or collaborate with Declan Rice as a defensive midfielder to form an imposing shield that protects City’s ball-playing central midfielders from their opponent’s pressing game.
Jakub Zinchenko
Zinchenko has been an indispensable player at Arsenal, providing leadership and experience to the club. A vital member of their defense and an adept ball progressor, Zinchenko led their final third passes tally last season by being successful pass completion leader.
He is an exceptional header of the ball and tackler, having completed 61% of his duels successfully.
He’s currently working to restore full fitness, and could play on Saturday if his calf proves healthy enough. Jurrien Timber could fill in for Zinchenko at left back; he can also operate in midfield if necessary and has provided Kivior with invaluable guidance during his transition into English league play.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has become an integral component of Arsenal’s increased offensive play since manager Mikel Arteta moved him from an attacking role into midfield as part of Mikel Arteta’s system to act as an intermediary. Since this switch, Martin’s goals and assists have skyrocketed, becoming more prolific since Arteta shifted him from forward position.
He can drop deep to build play, without relinquishing possession or allowing his teammates to advance into dangerous positions in behind. Thanks to his intelligence, he can access teammates even when they’re in advanced positions; and also deceives opponents by concealing his pass releases effectively.
Leandro Trossard could step in for him alongside Declan Rice and Jorginho if the player suffers an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway.
Jorginho Jurrien Timber
Jorginho will be an instrumental figure for Arsenal on Sunday and is expected to set the tempo from the centre of the park, stretching City’s defence while creating goalscoring chances on their left flank.
Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko will look to improve upon their performances against Chelsea after showing well in training sessions at London Colney.
David Raya should remain in goal while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should both retain their spots as centre defenders.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s inclusion is unexpected given that he had a major disagreement with Erik ten Hag in September 2023 that led to him being banned from first-team facilities and loaned out to Borussia Dortmund on loan. But after meeting to address their differences and resolve everything amicably, Erik ten Hag has confirmed that they both agree to put this incident behind them and move forward together.
Sancho excels when deployed on the right wing, where his intelligent running in behind defences and close-control dribbling puts him into goalscoring positions. By shifting him here, more space should open up for Greenwood to operate further forward as well as enable him to develop into a central striker.
Sancho was disappointed to learn he wouldn’t make Arsenal’s squad for their north London derby against Tottenham on Tuesday, yet will play an active part in Saturday’s friendly against Borussia Dortmund as part of their Champions League qualifier game.
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