3 things to watch as Arsenal host Man Utd on Sunday

A win over Manchester United may be the jumpstart Arsenal need.

It hasn’t been the best start for Arsenal, but certainly not the worst either. Arsenal have not been at their best but have still managed to secure seven points from a possible nine. However, the Gooner fanbase is probably still wondering how Arsenal let two points slip against a 10-man Fulham last weekend. Every match matters.

Now, the Gunners must look ahead as bitter rivals Manchester United come into the Emirates this Sunday. 

3 things to watch as Arsenal host Man Utd on Sunday

Here are three things to keep an eye on when these two foes meet in north London.

1. Will Arteta revert to last season’s formation and starting XI?

It’s no secret that Thomas Partey in the inverted right-back role was not a fan favourite with the ploy inhibiting Arsenal’s play down the flanks. With a fully fit Oleksandr Zinchenko now available, will the gaffer finally revert to the system that won Arsenal many matches? If so, that means Gabriel will be included in the lineup and the established back line of Zinchenko, Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White will finally make its return.

It seems logical. The Gunners were a well-balanced defensive side last year. Yes, there were mistakes here and there but for the most part, with Zinchenko creating havoc in the midfield and White overlapping his runs on Bukyao Saka’s side, the Gunners were dangerous. All while Gabriel and Saliba were stalwarts in the back and covering their territory.

It all went downhill after Saliba got injured and maybe cost the Gunners a trophy or two. But when fully fit, Saliba and Gabriel are strong defenders and are big targets on set pieces. Let’s hope the gaffer starts both of them.

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