Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Elneny & Tomiyasu in?

Arsenal have no time to rest on the success of a storming 4-2 win over Chelsea as they host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. Here is the predicted lineup.

Mikel Arteta went bold once again. With just six matches left of the season to play the recipe for success has shifted towards going horses for courses. On Wednesday night it worked.

Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding came into the side with the former putting in a particularly solid display alongside Granit Xhaka, which could influence the manager’s decision making against Ralf Rangnick’s side.

Up front Eddie Nketiah put in his best display in an Arsenal shirt as his brace either side of a smartly taken Emile Smith Rowe goal set the Gunners on their way to victory, prompting yet another interesting debate of selections for this match.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Mohamed Elneny, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Eddie Nketiah to start in crunch Premier League clash?

Alexandre Lacazette had barely trained but insisted on being involved in the squad at Stamford Bridge, and with him back fit there is a tussle between the two over who leads the line.

Alterations at the back saw Benjamin White slot into right-back in place of Cedric. The Portuguese international may be eyeing a return to the side given the emphasis will be on Arsenal to attack in front of their own fans.

Could Takehiro Tomiyasu make a comeback? Back in training after a lengthy absence, he’s another player vying for involvement. Irrespective of Cedric’s impressive performances in his stead, the stabilising role he plays can’t be overlooked.

Another interesting call to make is up front. Gabriel Martinelli was a surprise exclusion from the starting lineup, instead coming on as a second half substitute, with Emile Smith Rowe taking his opportunity in the team expertly with a fine goal and battling performance.

How will Arteta go with the lineup?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Given Arsenal won there isn’t much room for negatives, although Ramsdale did not cover himself in glory in west London with an erratic performance. He will still keep his place, of course.

Cedric (RB) – Being at home against a side who don’t play with three at the back (usually) this could see Cedric come back into the team.

Benjamin White (CB) – Extremely aggressive throughout the Chelsea win, White filled in an important tactical role that his versatility allows. This game, however, will probably see him return to his favoured spot.

Gabriel (CB) – The best defender on the night for Arsenal. After a blip in the games after the international break, Gabriel has stepped up and looked much cleaner in and out of possession.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – It was a game of two halves for Nuno at Stamford Bridge. In the first 45 minutes his decision making was all over place, creases he ironed out with a vastly improved showing after the break. He keeps his place.

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Midfielders

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – How can he not keep his place?

Arteta opted to lean on experience for the win over Chelsea by bringing Elneny into the team, a move that was rewarded with a superb performance from the Egyptian. Starting just his second Premier League match all season, the stability he brought is likely to be maintained.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Something of a unsung hero in midweek, what you can say about Xhaka’s performance is that you felt safe with him in the team. His delicious nutmeg in the build-up to Smith Rowe’s goal was sublime.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – Without being on the ball all that much, when Odegaard did get possession he made it count. Whether it was his touch or weight of pass, it was pinpoint.

However, his work off the ball was arguably the most important trait. He will have a key role in pressurising a beleaguered Man Utd defence.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Fortunately Saka is unbreakable as the shift he put in, coupled with numerous attempts to snap his ankles, would have tired out even the finest athletes going.

Whether it was swapping sides to cover Nuno, charging up to create overloads or immediately taking the spot-kick responsibilities, he did it all.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – The man who doesn’t start Nketiah in the next game after a brace at Stamford Bridge needs to take a long look in the mirror.

Not just his coolness in front of goal, the other aspects of Nketiah’s game were much improved, includng link-up and hold-up play. He has to start. And he will.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – There were a few grumbles over Martinelli not getting the nod in midweek. There were none after the game.

Always looking to carry forward, Smith Rowe’s positivity was infectious in the game, as was his technical craft in small spaces. After some illness and fitness issues his first touch returned to its high level, and the finish for the goal was superb. He too looks certain to start.