For the first time since matchday four in the Premier League this season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal finished the weekend second in the table.
The Gunners’ thumping 5-2 victory over West Ham United laid down a marker ahead of Liverpool’s Sunday afternoon clash with reigning champions Manchester City.
Arne Slot’s side got the business done against City, meaning Arsenal now sit nine points behind the Premier League leaders.
For Arteta though, it’s a different Mancunian outfit on the agenda this week, with Manchester United the visitors to the Emirates Stadium.
The Spanish coach is winless across his two meetings with new United boss Ruben Amorim – something he’ll have to change on Wednesday to avoid losing any more ground on Liverpool.
Ahead of the north London meeting, Express Sport have predicted how Arsenal might line-up against the Red Devils.
His stability between the sticks has been crucial for Arsenal and if they’re to mount a title charge in the new year, Raya’s form will be paramount.
Despite a little blip just before half-time, Arsenal were once again able to rely on their preferred backline for the West Ham tie.
Riccardo Calafiori has struggled with fitness issues across his debut season in England and was hooked midway through the second half, but Arteta did hint it was just a precaution ahead of a hectic festive period.
It was a similar case for Gabriel, who also failed to see the game out, but fears over any long-term issues were quelled by Arteta post-match.
And given the importance of the United fixture, it’s likely the Arsenal manager won’t be taking any risks with his defence, meaning the duo, alongside regular starters Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, will be in the XI.
It’s one-in-one-out in the midfield department for Arsenal at the moment, as just after Martin Odegaard returned from a lengthy injury, Thomas Partey picked up a knock of his own.
The Ghanian is expected to be out for some time, meaning Jorginho is expected to retain his spot at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.
Alongside the Italian will be Declan Rice, if fit, with Odegaard pulling the strings just in front.
Kai Havertz also continued his strong campaign with a fifth Premier League goal this term, with the German expected to lead the line on Wednesday.
It leaves just one position left in the front three and while Leonardo Trossard bagged Arsenal’s second goal at the London Stadium, Arteta could use this midweek fixture to bring Gabriel Martinelli back into the side.
