Arsenal: Predicted Starting XI To Face Manchester United

Arsenal marches into Old Trafford with both clubs needing three points. Here is the team that Wenger will send out there.

Well, here we are again, ready to watch Arsenal and Arsene Wenger take on Jose Mourinho. Only this time, for the first time (would be hilarious if it were the last time), it will be the Special One’s rendition of Manchester United. And, let’s be honest, it’s a very poor rendition thus far.

Related: Wenger’s 10 Worst Signings Ever

And it is all the poorer due to injuries that will see seven United first-teamers out of the picture. Those seven include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Zlatan, Chris Smalling and more. While I vowed to never celebrate an injury, it’s hard not to celebrate these.

Arsenal has a few injuries of their own, but there are ways around each one. Santi Cazorla is still out, which definitely effects this midfield composition. Both Xhaka and Coquelin are fearsome fighters in the middle, but they need to show more if they want this partnership to last without interference.

Alexis Sanchez is also a question, though it’s Alexis Sanchez, so we know he will play. The Chilean mini-tank scored two goals against Uruguay for his nation despite being a question to even play. The man is a machine and he will be starting against United. It’s just a question of where.

Hector Bellerin is also out, which puts the Gunner’s in a pickle. Hopefully Walcott and whoever slides in at right back will be able to dominate that flank as well as ever.

With those updates in mind, let’s dig into the predicted starting XI, start with a man that I may just start excluding, seeing as how he isn’t going anywhere.

Petr Cech

Petr Cech hasn’t had any matches this year where he was up against the world to preserve points, but that is a testament to the progress of this defense, and the team in general. The less busy he is, the better this team is functioning.

Moving on, let’s get to the fullbacks.