Arsenal could potentially field a fully fit squad for their crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester United this afternoon, as injury concerns at the Emirates Stadium have significantly diminished in recent weeks. The Gunners, who saw their lead at the top of the table cut to four points after Manchester City's victory over Wolves on Saturday, have an opportunity to re-establish a more comfortable advantage with a win today.
Arsenal's Defensive Dilemmas and Attacking Options
The absence of left-back Riccardo Calafiori has posed a challenge for Mikel Arteta's side. The Italian international has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace before Christmas but returned to training this week, offering a timely boost. During his lay-off, Piero Hincapie deputised effectively until sustaining a groin injury in the goalless draw with Liverpool. Hincapie has also resumed training at London Colney, presenting Arteta with a selection headache.
Given Calafiori's prolonged absence, Arteta might consider reintroducing him gradually, while Hincapie's shorter spell out—missing the last four matches—could make him a more immediate option. Alternatively, the manager could deploy Jurrien Timber on the left, with Ben White retaining his right-back role, a strategy employed against Nottingham Forest. Max Dowman remains Arsenal's sole confirmed absentee.
Striker Selection Conundrum for Arteta
Up front, Gabriel Jesus has intensified the competition for the starting striker position after netting two goals in midweek against Inter Milan. Despite Viktor Gyokeres managing only one goal from open play in 16 Premier League appearances, he has consistently been Arteta's preferred choice. His recent goal off the bench against Inter suggests a potential shift in form, possibly influencing Arteta's decision for today's match. Gyokeres could be favoured against Manchester United, a club that showed interest in him last summer before opting for Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United's Team News and Tactical Setup
Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, face their own selection decisions. Sesko, despite scoring three goals in his last two outings, was relegated to the bench for the derby victory over Manchester City, where United's attack excelled. Carrick praised the striker in his pre-match press conference but may persist with the attacking trio that delivered such a dominant performance at Old Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo is likely to lead the line, supported by Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu.
United have no new injury concerns, though Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back injury, with his return estimated to be a couple of weeks away. Joshua Zirkzee continues to be unavailable, but Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be back in contention following Morocco's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations last Sunday.
Predicted Lineups for the High-Stakes Clash
For Arsenal, the choice between Gyokeres and Jesus up front is a pivotal one that Arteta has likely deliberated over extensively. Hincapie's availability might see him start at left-back, with Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi almost certain to return to the starting lineup after being rested midweek. Leandro Trossard's 79-minute appearance at San Siro could pave the way for Gabriel Martinelli to earn a starting berth.
Manchester United's predicted lineup sees Matheus Cunha impressing off the bench against City, but Dorgu's standout performance—capped with a goal—on the left flank last week warrants his retention. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro appear to have solidified their positions as Carrick's first-choice midfield pairing, provided both maintain fitness for the remainder of the season.
Match Details and Viewing Information
The Premier League fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United is scheduled for today, 25th January, with a 4:30pm kick-off. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Viewers can also stream the game via the Sky Go app or NOW TV for subscribers, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this highly anticipated showdown.
