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Traditional rivals Manchester United and Arsenal renew hostility at Old Trafford tonight in their first Premier League clash of the 2021-22 season.
The Red Devils are looking to end a three-game winless run in the top-flight, while also hoping to avoid the ignominy of losing consecutively at home to the Gunners for the first time since 1979.
Mikel Arteta's side, who started their campaign with three defeats in a row to languish at the bottom of the table, have scripted a fairytale revival.
Since matchday four, the side has lost only once - a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool - and won seven times to climb above Manchester United and sit in fifth place with 23 points from 13 games.
They're also six league games unbeaten against the Red Devils and are now looking to go one better, a feat never achieved in their history.
Will United's ship be capsized by Arsenal's rising tide? Or can they successfully weather the storm?
Ahead of the highly-anticipated kick-off, let's look at the five important players from both sides who could shape the outcome of the clash:
#5 Eric Bailly (Machester United)
Amid a series of calamitous defending from Manchester United's center-backs, Eric Bailly has provided a semblance of stability and composure whenever he's started.
His partnership with Victor Lindelof in the 1-1 draw to Chelsea last weekend was much talked about, with the Ivorian delivering a rock-solid performance to frustrate their hosts.
A similar display is expected of him tonight against Arsenal if he starts, which really should be the case, as Harry Maguire, who returns from a suspension, has been disastrous beyond measure this season.
#4 Ben White (Arsenal)
From one center-back to another. Arsenal's £50 million transfer of Ben White, the most in their history for a defender, was questioned, and even criticized heavily by pundits.
But 13 games into the 2021-22 league season, and everyone's now raving about him, with the 24-year-old making an impressive start to life in North London.
He's a ball-playing center-back with good technical ability and a penchant to start quick counterattacks from deep. White also averages 3.6 clearances per game in the league.
It'll be interesting to see how he deals with Manchester United's stellar attacking frontline.
#3 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Despite their struggles to produce results, Manchester United have had no problems finding the net, thanks to Bruno Fernandes and his creative expertise.
The Portuguese talisman has been at the heart of everything good coming from the side, bagging nine assists in all competitions this season, whilst also netting four goals.
A direct, energetic and box-to-box playmaker, he's capable of delivering killer passes from any position and remains a set-piece specialist too.
Fernandes has never scored or assisted against Arsenal in four previous appearances (two each with Sporting CP and Manchester United). Can he break the duck tonight?
#2 Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
Emile Smith Rowe has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, coming of age with eye-catching performances to bolster their attack and contribute six league goals thus far.
His meteoric rise didn't go unnoticed by England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed the star his international debut last month while he opened his account in the 10-0 demolition of San Marino.
Quick, intelligent, technically-gifted, and clever in possession, Smith Rowe could be a handful if Manchester United give him too much time and space on the ball.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
In the 2008-09 semi-final Champions League clash with Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo famously struck twice, including a stunning long-range free-kick to guide Manchester United into the final.
Although the stakes aren't as high here, he'd still be licking his lips at the prospect of going up against them after more than a decade. Ronaldo has struck six times in total from 15 games against the Gunners.
He made a whirlwind start to life in the Premier League since his sensational return, but now Ronaldo has struck only once in the last eight games to set the alarm bells ringing.
Can the Gunners keep him at bay too?
