Casemiro at the back, Rashford in attack – Arsenal relishing expected Man United XI

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford looking to guarantee the Premier League title race will go down to the final match of the season when they host Everton. Manchester United’s record against the Gunners has given them plenty of hope going into this match but that is about it when it comes to optimism.

The record of Erik ten Hag’s side has been dreadful with just one win in seven league games, conceding regularly even against some of the division’s lowest-ranked sides. Arsenal come to the Theatre of Dreams with the best offensive and defensive record whereas United have a negative goal difference.

Ten Hag has many injury concerns too compared to the expected clean bill of health on the Arsenal side. Although Mikel Arteta cast doubt on the availability of some players, there are no major worries.

"I hope I have players, yeah," Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference. "Players trained this morning. Bruno was on the pitch and Scott McTominay was back on the pitch. Some players are returning but also I have to report unfortunately yesterday Mason Mount fell out, so he will not be available for Sunday.

"We have some doubts [for players to play again this season]. Players are fighting to be available. That is so amazing. They all try. They are all desperate to play."

With the expectation that with no Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire the back four which conceded four at Crystal Palace will reunite once again. The Arsenal front line and the orchestrator of the trio Martin Odegaard will surely be looking to get the ball in behind Casemiro just like Palace did.

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The Brazilian was robbed of possession on numerous occasions leaving the Eagles free to take pot shots at Andre Onana’s goal. Arsenal scored three in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium but had to wait until late in the day to claim victory thanks to Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.

The latter is not expected to start however with Kai Havertz now leading the line. He will be looking to bully the makeshift defence with Leandro Trossard in prime career form too.

A midfield of Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay will be tested against the likes of Rice and Thomas Partey. The Gunners will be looking to find the gaps and counter when United get brave going forwards which they are minded to do playing in their home ground.

Ten Hag has been very vocal on what he perceived to be misfortune with decisions at the Emirates Stadium but as Odegaard told football.london, the Gunners need no further motivation. If Takehiro Tomiyasu is fit to start he will likely come into the left-back slot tasked with stopping Alejandro Garnacho as Ben White will need to be wary of Marcus Rashford whose record against Arsenal is another rare reason for promise at United.

Other outlets such as Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund need to be controlled by a calmer display defensively than was seen in the North London Derby. David Raya will be under pressure again as will Gabriel Magalhaes who nearly made a costly error at the weekend against Bournemouth.

Despite the overwhelming odds in Arsenal’s favour, rarely do these clashes lean into the form of either side. Once again we will be expecting another enticing battle with the Gunners of course playing in response to whatever happens at Fulham where Manchester City are looking to reclaim the lead at the head of the table.

Expected Man United XI vs Arsenal - Onana, Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan Bissaka, Mainoo, McTominay, Garnacho, Fernandez, Rashford, Hojlund