Strongest Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-3-3) vs Manchester United, Pepe and Saka start

Arsenal will be aiming for a fourth straight win across all competitions when they face Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday night.

The north London giants have a poor record at Old Trafford with not a single league victory since 2006 but they have the chance to erase the unwanted record, particularly with the hosts struggling with multiple injury concerns.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Lineup:

Bernd Leno has been ever-present during the opening phase of the current Premier League campaign and he should take over the gloves from Emiliano Martinez, who deputised for him in the League Cup in midweek.

The defence should remain the same from last weekend’s comeback win over Aston Villa. Hector Bellerin won’t take any part after participating for the Under 23s on Saturday.

Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney are available for the game but they are likely to adjust to bench roles with manager Unai Emery unlikely to risk them in a high intensity game after just returning from lengthy setbacks.

In the midfield, Granit Xhaka and Mateo Guendouzi have earned the most minutes this term and the duo are bound to feature. The former has come for criticism from the fans but his position remains secure after recently being handed with the permanent leadership.

Alongside the duo, Dani Ceballos could get the nod. The Spaniard can feature in both the number 8 and number 10 roles and Emery may prefer him for his versatility, good defensive attributes and strong distribution skills.

In the frontline, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are certainties to start. There is the temptation to play Mesut Ozil on the left wing but judging by Emery’s selection policy, it won’t surprise many if the German does not even make the matchday squad.

Hence, it could be a better between Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka for the role and the latter could edge it. Saka was hugely impressive with his direct running and intent during his maiden league start last weekend but he was substituted at the interval for a defensive substitution to cover up Maitland-Niles’ sending off.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Manchester United: