Assessing the strength of MU vs Arsenal: The Red Devils are at a disadvantage.
The clash between MU and Arsenal in the 28th round of the Premier League at 11:30 PM on March 9th promises to be a noteworthy match.
Arsenal are chasing the top spot, while Manchester United are struggling to find a way out of their crisis. So, what is the relative strength of these two teams before the match?
MU: Difficulties piling up
MU entered this match with a long list of injuries. Manager Ruben Amorim had no good news in the pre-match press conference, confirming that Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte were unlikely to recover in time.
Furthermore, the Red Devils are missing a number 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 further exacerbates the personnel situation.
In that context, Victor Lindelof is likely to start. Coach Amorim may consider bringing on Ayden Heaven – a former Arsenal youth player – to strengthen the defense. Up front, MU will still rely on the trio of Zirkzee, Garnacho, and Hojlund in their quest for goals.
Manchester United's form in the Premier League is causing concern among fans. They sit 14th in the table and were recently knocked out of the FA Cup after a defeat to Fulham. In the Premier League, the team has yet to win two consecutive matches this season and frequently concedes many goals at home.
Arsenal: A springboard from the Champions League
In contrast to Manchester United's difficult situation, Arsenal entered the match in high spirits after their emphatic 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 squad issues. Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still unavailable. Nevertheless, manager Mikel Arteta still has a strong enough squad to aim for three points.
Up front, Mikel Merino continues to play the number 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 two consecutive Premier League matches at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have won all four of their most recent Premier League encounters against Manchester United, including a narrow 1-0 victory at Old Trafford last season. A win in their next match would mark their first consecutive win at Old Trafford since 1979.
Analysis and prediction of results
This match holds special significance for both teams. For Manchester United, a win is essential to boost morale after a disappointing run of results. For Arsenal, three points would allow them to continue chasing Liverpool in the title race.
Despite having home advantage, given their current form and squad situation, Manchester United are unlikely to spring a surprise against a resurgent Arsenal. Leading football websites have offered the following predictions for the match's outcome:
- Sportsmole: MU 0-1 Arsenal
- WhoScore: MU 0-2 Arsenal
- Our report: MU 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal hold a significant advantage to secure all three points at Old Trafford. Will they be able to capitalize on this opportunity, or will Manchester United pull off a surprise? The answer will be revealed after 90 tense minutes on the pitch.
