Strength assessment of MU vs Arsenal: The Red Devils are at a disadvantage

Arsenal are chasing the top spot, while MU are struggling to find a way out of the crisis. So what is the strength ratio between these two teams before the match?

MU: Difficulties pile up

United head into this game with a long injury list. Manager Ruben Amorim did not get any good news in his pre-match press conference when he confirmed that Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte were unlikely to recover in time.

In addition, the Red Devils are also missing a series of key players such as Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton. Patrick Dorgu's suspension makes the personnel situation even worse.

In that context, Victor Lindelof is likely to be used from the start. Coach Amorim may consider bringing Ayden Heaven – a former Arsenal youth player – onto the field to increase the solidity of the defense. In attack, MU will still rely on the trio of Zirkzee, Garnacho and Hojlund in the task of finding goals.

Manchester United's form in the Premier League is worrying fans. They are 14th in the table and have just been knocked out of the FA Cup after losing to Fulham. In the Premier League, the team has not won two consecutive matches this season and often concedes many goals at home.

Arsenal: Launch pad from Champions League

In contrast to MU's difficult situation, Arsenal entered the match in high spirits after a resounding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. This impressive performance helped them set a new record for the most goals scored in a knockout round match away from home.

However, Arsenal also have problems with their squad. Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still unable to return. However, coach Mikel Arteta still has a strong enough squad to aim for 3 points.

Up front, Mikel Merino continues to play the No. 9 role, alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard. If Trossard scores, he will become the third Arsenal player after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emmanuel Adebayor to score in consecutive Premier League games at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have won their last four Premier League meetings with United, including a 1-0 win at Old Trafford last season. Victory would see them record back-to-back wins at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.

Comments and predictions

This match has special significance for both teams. For MU, they need a victory to lift their spirits after a series of disappointing matches. As for Arsenal, 3 points will help them continue to chase Liverpool in the championship race.

Although MU has the home field advantage, with their current form and squad, it is difficult for them to create a surprise against a rising Arsenal. Leading football websites have made predictions about the match result as follows:

- Sportsmole: MU 0-1 Arsenal

- WhoScore: MU 0-2 Arsenal

- Our newspaper: MU 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal are in a strong position to take all three points at Old Trafford. Will they be able to take advantage of this opportunity or will MU create a surprise? The answer will be revealed after 90 tense minutes on the pitch.