Arsenal vs Manchester United: 4 big selection decisions

3. Does Mohamed Elneny Keep His Place?

Based on performance alone there is nothing more Elneny could have done to warrant his place in the starting lineup on Saturday. Despite not starting a Premier League game for the club in over four months, he’s someone who takes exceptional care of his body and there will be no qualms over his fitness.

He’s done this before, though. Elneny will play having been out of the team for ages, have a stormer, and then the game after will be a stinker. It’s a worrying trend.

Looking past his performance meriting another start, given Arsenal are on home soil and will be seeing more of the ball than they did at Chelsea, someone with a touch more progression in possession and range of pass like Sambi could be a smart option.

As far as the hustling and bustling role, one where defensive positioning and midfield scanning is vital, Elneny does the job well. Yet if Arsenal have Man United pinned back and are looking to play through lines with speed and drag the opposition out of position, Sambi’s skillset is surely more suited.

It could end up being a case similar to Bernd Leno’s. While the German was in the team due to injury, that one game looks like being his major contribution this season and it might be that Elneny has now had his.

Does Arteta stick to the winning formula or be more expansive?

Prediction: Elneny keeps his place in midfield

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