Arteta may spring a surprise in his team selection vs United

 By Danong 

In arguably the biggest clash of the weekend, Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.  

Fresh from a famous derby‑day victory over City, United are buoyed by a full week’s rest and no European commitments. They arrive as perhaps the trickiest United side Arsenal have faced in recent times.  

Yet the Gunners approach this fixture emboldened by a 12‑match unbeaten run. More telling, they are undefeated against the Red Devils in their last six meetings. This record suggests Arsenal have come to dominate this contest.  

Consequently, Arsenal should feel less pressure going into the game. The burden lies squarely on United, who, under caretaker head coach Michael Carrick, are striving to salvage what has been a shaky season.  

United are expected to be without Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, though they should still field a competitive squad. Arsenal, meanwhile, welcome back Piero Hincapie and Ricardo Calafiori, but will probably be deprived of Kai Havertz and Max Dowman.  

With Mikel Arteta having his best options for this game, he should deploy his most formidable line‑up to outwit Carrick and extend Arsenal’s fine run, ensuring they remain unbeaten at the Emirates. At home, the Gunners have recorded 13 wins and three draws.  

Probable line‑up:  

 -Raya  

- Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

- Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

- Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard  

Starting Calafiori immediately may spark debate, yet if fit, he should be trusted from the outset. The unorthodox left‑back has emerged as a playmaker of sorts, holding the key to Arsenal’s success this season.  

Indeed, the last 18 matchdays have shown he is irreplaceable; not even Hincapie can replicate his influence. That is why Calafiori deserves to start straight away.  

But if he is not yet ready then either White will come in and Timber move to left back or don't be surprised if MLS starts as he had a very good game in Italy. Arteta may wish to have a player who can invert and bring the ball forward. 

This game is also a stage for Viktor Gyökeres to rise to the occasion and demonstrate to United what they missed by failing to sign a genuine No.9.  

Carrick may attempt to catch Arsenal off guard with tactical surprises, but if the Gunners impose their game, they should have enough to secure a famous win this weekend.