Before Arsenal’s thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, Manchester United might have been feeling pretty encouraged about the Gunners’ visit to Old Trafford.
Arsenal will be strikerless for the rest of the season after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and Man United did manage to win on penalties at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup recently.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side put seven past PSV away from home in the Netherlands – a damning sight for any team facing them next.
Of course, it has to be said that PSV were hapless defensively and Ruben Amorim’s back line, despite its own issues, is a lot more resolute.
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Either way, Arsenal have to win in Manchester to salvage any kind of hope of them remaining in the title-race given that it seems very unlikely that Liverpool will slip up at home to Southampton in their own fixture.
Gary Neville thinks Arsenal will struggle to beat Man United
That being said, Gary Neville has just predicted what the score will be on the ‘It’s Called Soccer’ podcast, concluding that Arsenal will be frustrated.
Arteta’s side won 1-0 at Old Trafford last season owing to Leandro Trossard’s strike in the 20th minute of the match.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney gives his opinion on Ethan Nwaneri’s performance for Arsenal against PSV
However, United were 3-1 winners under Erik ten Hag the season before, with Marcus Rashford actually scoring twice after Antony opened the scoring for the hosts.
Of course, this will be Amorim’s first Premier League tie against Arsenal at home, and he won’t be able to call on either of the forwards mentioned above.
Although, Neville still thought United could salvage a 1-1 draw with Bruno Fernandes bagging the goal for the hosts.
Neville said: “United are playing so poorly at the moment, but they do sometimes lift their game against big opponents.
“And I feel on Sunday, the crowd will be there with them. And I think it will be 1-1 – scorer for United will be Bruno Fernandes.”
Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven could face Arsenal after leaving
Of course, Arteta seems likely to start Mikel Merino up front once again for Arsenal on their trip to Manchester.
Merino will also be joined by Ethan Nwaneri who will be playing closely alongside him on the right.
Merino has praised Nwaneri for his efforts in training of late, a superb young talent who’s made the step up from the Hale End Academy.
That being said, it’ll be interesting to see if former Arsenal youngsters Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven face their old club on Sunday.
Arsenal didn’t want to lose Chido Obi, a young striker who could have been helping their cause right now.
