Arsenal vs Manchester United: 5 players to watch

Kumar
Manchester United and Arsenal will face off in the Premier League on Saturday
Manchester United and Arsenal will face off in the Premier League on Saturday

Manchester United will travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in what will be a massive game for both teams.

While Arsenal could climb further up the table with the win, Manchester United will be able to put the shock defeat against Sheffield United behind them with three points.

Despite the defeat against Sheffield United, Manchester United will perhaps be the favourites heading into the game considering their impressive away form.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will hope to continue their good form against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. The Gunners are unbeaten in the last five Premier League meetings between the two teams.

Both sides have some talented and in-form players. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at five players to watch out for when the two sides face off on Saturday:


#1 Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has scored two goals in his last three games for Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has scored two goals in his last three games for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has arguably been the most impressive player in the Arsenal attack this season, and his energetic displays have often lifted the team from their slumber.

Still only 19, it’s surprising that he has outshone the more vastly experienced players in the squad, and Mikel Arteta will hope he continues that form against Manchester United.

Saka has scored two goals in his last three games, and has a total of five strikes in the Premier League.

His ability to drive on the counter and take on defenders will come in handy against Manchester United, as the Gunners could sit back and hit Solskjaer’s side on the break.

#2 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United's midfield sensation Bruno Fernandes has been crucial to the club's success in games
Manchester United's midfield sensation Bruno Fernandes has been crucial to the club's success in games

Bruno Fernandes wasn’t able to stamp his authority on the game against Sheffield United, but he is a man for the big occasion, and we expect him to play a big role come Saturday.

The Portuguese came off the bench to score a free-kick and knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup a week ago, and his team will need his creativity against Arsenal.

The Gunners have conceded just twice in their last six games in all competitions and have been a hard team to beat. Fernandes’ combination play with the rest of the Manchester United attackers and his pin-point crossing into the box could trouble the Arsenal defence.

Fernandes has 11 goals and seven assists already this season, and he will need to improve his numbers if Manchester United are to beat Arsenal.

#3 Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring a goal
Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring a goal

Anthony Martial had another disappointing outing on Wednesday, and the Frenchman is likely to miss out against Arsenal, with Edinson Cavani expected to feature.

Cavani has done a pretty good job when he has been used by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he could offer a presence in the box against Arsenal.

The Uruguayan can also mix it up and come short for the ball if needed. However, he will need to somehow find space and take his chances in what could be a very cagey game on Saturday.

Cavani averages 1.5 shots a game in the Premier League, and with four goals in 13 games, his conversion rate isn’t the best. However, he has only made four starts and is slowly getting back to his peak fitness, so he will be a threat.

#4 Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has been impressive for Arsenal since his return from injury
Thomas Partey has been impressive for Arsenal since his return from injury

Arsenal have looked a lot more secure at the back because of Thomas Partey’s presence in front of their defence.

After a bright start to his career, he was out injured for a while, and Arsenal struggled for the right balance in midfield. Since his return, however, he has allowed the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Granit Xhaka to move forward more often and make an impact up front.

Partey averages two tackles a game, and an assured passing has helped the Gunners win the ball back and maraud forward in the break more efficiently.

Manchester United carry a big attacking threat, and if Arsenal are to end the Red Devils’ away form, Partey will need to be at the top of his game.

#5 Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe has so far had an up-and-down stint at Arsenal
Nicolas Pepe has so far had an up-and-down stint at Arsenal

The Arsenal winger is slowly finding a bit of rhythm and when he is playing with confidence, he can be an elegant player to watch.

Against Southampton, Nicolas Pepe was in his elements and often took on the opposition players and showed his dribbling ability.

Arsenal will need some of that against Manchester United, whose defending against Sheffield United was abject, to say the least.

Pepe scored the opener when these two sides last met at the Emirates a year ago, and the Gunners will certainly hope he can get on the score-sheet once again come Saturday.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now