How Arsenal could line up (4-4-2) against Manchester United

Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in Thursday’s much-awaited Premier League clash.

The Gunners have been in sublime league form over the past few months, suffering a solitary defeat at Liverpool.

This sees them only goal difference adrift of the top four, and they will be aiming to continue the momentum.

However, their record at Old Trafford has been poor with just one league win at the stadium since 2007.

That was last season where they secured a slender 1-0 win. Mikel Arteta will want a similar performance.

They have form on their side with the Red Devils winning just one of their last eight league matches.

Formation: 4-4-2

Predicted Line-up:

Aaron Ramsdale has been sensational between the sticks for the Gunners in his debut campaign.

He has made several stand-out saves, and produced one to deny Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey last weekend.

The England international is now a guaranteed starter in goal ahead of Bernd Leno.

No changes are likely in the backline. Takehiro Tomiyasu had his best game in the club’s shirt against the Magpies.

He produced a solid display from right-back, capped with a floating assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s volleyed goal.

The Japan international should keep his place while Ben White and Gabriel are definite starters in central defence.

There were calls for Nuno Tavares to be dropped on the back of his blunder at Anfield last month.

However, Arteta trusted the Portuguese with another start last weekend. Tavares made amends with an assist.

Kieran Tierney has been superb for the Gunners from left-back, but it is hard to see Tavares being dropped.

Similar to Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga’s spot recently came under scrutiny as he was being regularly dispossessed.

He produced a strong midfield display against the Magpies and almost bagged a superb long-range assist.

The Belgian should continue to partner Thomas Partey, who was hugely instrumental in last year’s win at Old Trafford.

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are Arteta’s regular picks for the wide midfield positions.

The former is doubtful with a muscular issue. This could see Gabriel Martinelli make his first league start since August.

The Brazilian has shown excellent attitude whenever he has come off the bench, and scored a stunner last week.

He showed excellent composure to track Tomiyasu’s floating pass before volleying his shot beyond the keeper.

Up front, Alexandre Lacazette should accompany Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his cameo role on Saturday.

Martin Odegaard played behind the club captain against the Magpies, but lost possession on numerous occasions.

The Norwegian failed to take advantage of the opportunity, and Lacazette should return to the starting XI.