The final game of matchday seven sees Arsenal head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Unai Emery’s side will look to secure an away win to climb into third, while United desperately need a win to climb out of 11th place.
The Gunners come into the match with three consecutive wins, their last being a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Football League Cup.
An excellent showing from youngster Gabriel Martinelli, new signing Kieran Tierney, as well as Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin returning from injury were highlights of the match. Calum Chambers ended the match with three assists to his name, and has earned all the plaudits for a starting spot against United this Monday.
United’s last match in the Football League Cup saw them win 5-3 on penalties against Rochdale A.F.C., who compete in Football League One. The Red Devils fielded quite a young side, that was able to come away with the win in the penalty shootout.
Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The return of Tierney and Holding to the lineup is a much needed change for Arsenal, as their defense has been the cause of their struggles early on. Bellerin is not entirely ready to return to the starting 11, and with Chambers incredible performances of late he has earned his spot.
With Granit Xhaka recently being named as captain it is likely he will start in such an important match, and Matteo Guendouzi has been nothing but in form for the Gunners this year.
Bukayo Saka did not get to fully shine against Aston Villa, as he was subbed off for tactical reasons with Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ sending off. With Alexandre Lacazette still sidelined, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line and Saka could get another chance.
Dani Ceballos will slide into the number 10 role, looking to make in impact in such an important match. Nicolas Pepe scored his first goal for the club against Villa, and will hope to add to his tally at Old Trafford starting on the right.
Score Prediction: 3-1 Arsenal
Manchester United is the only top team that has looked less convincing than Arsenal this season, having lost to West Ham and barely scraping by a Football League One club, they will be no match for the Gunners.
Arsenal have been in great form as of late, and Aubameyang will continue his rampant scoring with two at Old Trafford. Pepe will finally show what he’s worth with his own goal against United, and the Red Devils will get one of their own as Arsenal climb into third place Monday afternoon.
