Arsenal will put their title credentials on the line this weekend as they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium in a must-win Premier League six-pointer.
A staggering 15 points separates the two sides in the table.
However, United will fancy their chances of denting Arsenal’s title hopes, especially with Michael Carrick bringing the feel-good factor back to the club.
Match preview
History came back to haunt Arsenal in their latest league outing, as they once again failed to make the most of a golden opportunity.
United did Arsenal a favour last weekend when they beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford, giving them a chance to move nine points clear at the top of the table.
Just as they did earlier in the season, Mikel Arteta’s side drew a blank in what seemed like a straightforward match against Nottingham Forest.
The damage was limited. With both City and Aston Villa also dropping points, Arsenal remain firmly in control of the title race, sitting seven points clear at the summit.
More importantly, their response in midweek showed why they are still the team to beat, having produced one of their most impressive performances of the season.
They claimed a 3-1 win against Inter Milan at the San Siro to qualify for the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare.
Arsenal will be keen to protect their formidable home record when they return to the Emirates.
They are unbeaten in all 16 home matches this season (W14, D2), making them favourites ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster outing.
Arsenal were unable to fully take advantage of City’s slip-up at Old Trafford and could be made to pay for it, with United now looking to cause another upset.
Against the backdrop of poor form and off-field noise, United tore up the script with a controlled and confident performance against their fierce rivals.
Under the watchful eye of the newly reappointed Carrick, goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed a deserved 2-0 victory.
It was United’s first win in any competition since Ruben Amorim guided them past Newcastle United on Boxing Day, and it felt like a release of pressure as much as a boost of belief.
That result has pulled the Red Devils right back into the Champions League picture.
They begin the weekend just one point behind Liverpool in fifth place, and their attacking output has been one of the few positives in their demanding spell.
United have now scored in 11 straight matches across all competitions, including nine consecutive away games. But they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet on the road this season.
That record will worry Carrick ahead of a tough trip to Arsenal, a side that has beaten United in five of their last six league meetings, including a narrow 1-0 win at the start of the season.
Team News
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is finally seeing light at the end of a long defensive injury tunnel.
With several key players returning to the fold, the Spaniard could make five changes for the box office showdown against United.
Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie both returned to first-team training on Friday after shaking off muscle and thigh problems, respectively.
While Arteta stopped short of confirming their availability in his pre-match press conference, both defenders are pushing hard for a return when Arsenal take the field on Sunday.
Meanwhile, United arrive with a few concerns. They’ll be without Matthijs de Ligt, who is struggling with a back problem, while Joshua Zirkzee is a doubt after picking up a knock.
Noussair Mazraoui is expected to return, but Carrick will likely stick with the same team that claimed the statement win over City last weekend.
Arsenal potential starting line-up:
(4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard.
Manchester United potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo.
