Team News
The usual absentees are once again sidelined, with Mathieu Debuchy, Abou Diaby, Laurent Koscielny, David Ospina and Mesut Ozil all out. Fortunately, the majority of that crop look to be returning imminently, with the two defenders on that list well needed.
Mikel Arteta is available for selection and could feature, though a start is unlikely, and Olivier Giroud is also available for the first-team since September. Giroud is unlikely to feature though and instead will look ahead to West Brom next weekend.
Danny Welbeck faces a late-fitness test tomorrow, whilst Alexis Sanchez is also an injury concern. Theo Walcott is ‘unlikely to feature’ tomorrow, according to Wenger.
Manchester United are struggling with injuries but the big news is David De Gea, Angel Di Maria and Michael Carrick all seem to be available for selection, which will provide a big boost for them.
Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Radamel Falcao could all feature but Luke Shaw is a doubt, joining fellow defenders Daley Blind, Rafael and Marcos Rojo on the treatment table.
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal may well shake things up this weekend with players returning and changes needed, with Hector Bellerin perhaps coming in and moving Calum Chambers over to the centre of defence in place of Nacho Monreal. However, any defensive changes are unlikely.
Jack Wilshere should start after his fine displays on international duty with England and he could take Aaron Ramsey’s place in the centre of midfield, as the Welshman has struggled for form. Another struggling player, Santi Cazorla, should also lose his place in the starting line-up but injury problems mean he is likely to continue.
Arsenal’s attacking plans appear to have been shattered with the news Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck face late fitness tests, whilst Theo Walcott is unlikely to play. Fingers crossed it’s mind games from Arsene.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Flamini, Wilshere, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Sanchez
Manchester United will be pleased that star-man David De Gea is available to continue in the goal but the defence in front of him his worrying. Which defenders will play is up for debate, with many facing late tests, and this could be the news that Arsenal need ahead of the game.
In midfield, a deep-lying pair of Michael Carrick and Maruone Fellaini will sit behind the strong, attacking trio of Wayne Rooney, Adnan Januzaj and Angel Di Maria. With he who shall not be named likely leading the attack, after scoring the winner in this fixture last term.
Manchester United:Â De Gea, Valencia, McNair, Jones, Smalling, Carrick, Fellaini, Januzaj, Rooney, Di Maria, Van Persie