Introduction

Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the most historic and successful clubs in English football. They have a long-standing rivalry that dates back decades, and their matches are always fiercely contested. On Sunday, the two teams will meet again at the Emirates Stadium for what promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams are in good form and will be looking to strengthen their positions in the Premier League table.

Recent Form and Player Availability

Arsenal have been in good form in recent weeks, winning their last three league matches. They have climbed up to seventh place in the table, just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. The Gunners will be without midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is suspended after being sent off in their last match against Burnley. However, forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to be fit after recovering from a calf injury.

Manchester United have also been playing well, and are currently in second place in the table. They have won four out of their last five league matches, and are only two points behind league leaders Manchester City. United will be missing midfielder Scott McTominay, who is injured, but defender Eric Bailly and winger Marcus Rashford are both available for selection.

Tactical Preview

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta generally likes to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Aubameyang playing as the lone striker. The Gunners will look to dominate possession and create chances through their skilful midfield players, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. They will need to be wary of United's counter-attacking threat, and will need to ensure that they are solid at the back.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to stick with his tried-and-trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Paul Pogba supporting striker Edinson Cavani. United will look to catch Arsenal on the break and exploit any defensive weaknesses. They will also need to be disciplined and organised defensively, as Arsenal have the potential to create chances from open play and set-pieces.

Key Battles

One of the key battles on the pitch will be between Aubameyang and United centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. Aubameyang has been in good form in recent weeks, and will be looking to add to his tally of nine league goals this season. Maguire and Lindelof will need to be strong and disciplined in their defending, and will need to prevent Aubameyang from getting in behind them.

Another important battle will take place in midfield, where Thomas Partey and Fred are likely to come up against each other. Both players are tough-tackling midfielders who are strong in possession, and the winner of this battle could have a big impact on the game. Partey will need to ensure that he is disciplined in his tackling, as he has already received two yellow cards this season.

Prediction

This is a tough game to call, as both teams are in good form and have strong squads. Arsenal will have the home advantage, but United have been strong on the road this season. It could be a closely-fought game, with both teams having chances to win. However, I think United's greater attacking firepower will give them the edge, and I predict a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils.

Conclusion

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of English football's biggest clubs. With both teams in good form and plenty of top-quality players on the pitch, there should be plenty of excitement for fans to enjoy. As always in football, anything can happen on the day, and it will be fascinating to see how the game unfolds.