The focus is on Arsenal when it comes to the Premier League title race. Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and in the lead up to the game, I don’t think anybody can deny that the Gunners are favourites to get the win.
Manchester United will be without midfielder Casemiro for this Sunday’s clash, but as Erik ten Hag stressed in his pre-match press conference, the Red Devils have already beaten Arsenal without the Brazil international this season.
Mikel Arteta suggested that United have enough squad depth to cope with Casemiro’s absence, which is baffling when you consider the fact we don’t have a player like him in the squad. Not someone you could call a holding or defensive midfielder.
Casemiro has been a vital cog in United’s midfield since arriving from Real Madrid but picked up a fifth yellow card in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night which means he’ll miss the trip to London when his team-mates take on league leaders Arsenal.
It will be United’s second trip to the capital in the space of just five days. The ultimate aim is to get back on track after Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace after Michael Olise scored a stunning free-kick from distance in injury time.
Rather surprisingly, one of Arsenal’s key players has took some time out from hanging their heads in the clouds, to praise United ahead of the weekend.
“Manchester United are obviously playing very well,” said Odegaard, in his programme notes via Arsenal’s official website. “I’ve watched them a lot lately and they look to me to be getting better and better this season.
“Their coach is a good one who I know from his time in Holland with Ajax, and his sides always play good football. So yes, they’re doing well, but we must also remember the match at Old Trafford earlier in the season. I felt that day we controlled most of the game and I felt we deserved a better result in the end.
“This time we want to show some more discipline, to control the game for 90 minutes and not just small periods. It will be a tough game but we’re ready for it and we are feeling confident.
“We’re back at home, too, and the atmosphere could make a big difference for us again. We know what the stadium will be like, it will be amazing for sure, and I’m sure you [Arsenal’s fans] can all help us a lot, give us energy and lift the team again.”
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