Manchester United vs Arsenal: 5 key battles | Premier League 2020-21

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will manage his 100th Manchester United game tomorrow
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will manage his 100th Manchester United game tomorrow

#3 Fred vs Dani Ceballos

Fred is expected to start for the Red Devils
Fred is expected to start for the Red Devils

After the embarrassing loss to Spurs, Solskajer has brought Fred into the starting eleven and the Brazilian is providing much-needed stability and balance to the midfield.

The 27-year-old midfielder manages an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2 dribbles per EPL game. Should he maintain his form against the Gunners, United have a high chance of winning this fixture because of Arsenal's lack of creativity.

Without Mesut Ozil in the team, Arsenal have struggled to create goal-scoring chances. As it stands, the current state of the Gunners' midfield appears to be very staid, with the players waiting for one another to make that decisive forward pass.

Like Joe Willock has done in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) match against Dundalk, Dani Ceballos must get forward more often in order to exert a greater influence and make a difference in tomorrow's game.


#2 Marcus Rashford vs Gabriel Magalhaes

Marcus Rashford's only two goals against Arsenal came on his EPL debut in 2016
Marcus Rashford's only two goals against Arsenal came on his EPL debut in 2016

With seven goals in nine games, Marcus Rashford is Manchester United's top scorer in all competitions this season. The 23-year-old netted a hat-trick against RB Leipzig in the midweek UEFA Champions League (UCL) game and should be feeling confident ahead of the clash.

However, Rashford has failed to score in the last eight games against Arsenal. Given that Anthony Martial is still suspended, the goal-scoring duties will also rest on the shoulders of the English international and Edinson Cavani.

Both forwards face a stern test against Arsenal's summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes who has impressed for the North London club and performed well on a weekly basis. Currently, the Gunners boast of the second-best defence in the league, having conceded just seven goals in six matches.

Regardless of whether Arteta goes for a back three or four, Gabriel will definitely have a role to play in the heart of the defence.


#1 Bruno Fernandes vs Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has a huge role to play tomorrow
Thomas Partey has a huge role to play tomorrow

Bruno Fernandes' arrival at Old Trafford in January sparked a revival and sense of belief among the players last season. One of the main reasons why the Red Devils are in the UCL this season is all thanks to Fernandes' goal contribution in the EPL.

Continuing his fine display, the Portuguese now has three goals and two assists in five EPL matches this season. During tomorrow's clash, Fernandes will be one of United's biggest threats but he would first have to get past Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian midfielder has had a mixed start to his Arsenal career. He put up an assuring display against Rapid Vienna in the UEL but when his team faced Leicester last week, Partey's influence in the midfield wasn't as desired.

After getting a break against Dundalk, Arteta is set to recall the 27-year-old who said,

"If we do our work well, if we go in and fight for points, if we put a lot of pressure on them, we’ll be able to win."

With his summer additions, Arteta will be hoping to record his second victory over Solskjaer's side and break the duck at Old Trafford.


Also Read: 5 memorable goals Mesut Ozil has scored for Arsenal

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