Fred to start: predicted Man United line-up vs Arsenal
Arvin Amin
Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea (L) chats with Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred (R) after the English League Cup quarter final football match between Manchester United and Charlton Athletic, at Old Trafford, in Manchester, north-west England on January 10, 2023. - Man Utd won the game 3-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United are preparing for potentially their biggest test so far this season, with a visit to the Emirates Stadium next on the agenda for Erik ten Hag’s men.
United are on the verge of seriously challenging for the title and a statement win against the league leaders would send shockwaves through the Premier League.
The Reds’ nine-gaming winning run was, however, put to an end earlier this week after Micheal Olise’s late equaliser at Selhurst Park.
Perhaps more upsetting than the draw was Casemiro’s late booking. The Brazil international picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss this weekend’s game at Arsenal as a result.
His international team-mate, Fred, is likely to play in his place after he starred in the 2-1 win over Manchester City last week. Ten Hag could opt to use similar tactics this time, with a narrow formation preferred.
Bruno Fernandes played on the right-hand side in that game, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford making up the rest of the front three. Martial is, however, a doubt for this game after missing training on Thursday. Wout Weghorst could instead start his second game in just five days.
Behind them, Fred, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen linked up to forge an unbreakable midfield. Scott McTominay is likely to be drafted back into the side for this game.
Further back, David de Gea will hold down his position and it remains to be seen whether Tyrell Malacia is picked. As things stand, it seems likely that he will be.
Predicted Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1/4-3-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia; McTominay, Fred, Eriksen; Fernandes, Weghorst, Rashford
