Arsenal could have a fully fit squad available for their Premier League showdown with Manchester United this afternoon.
Manchester City reduced the Gunners’ lead at the summit to four points after their win over Wolves on Saturday but Mikel Arteta’s side can open up a healthy lead again if they get the victory today.
Injury problems at the Emirates have eased over the last few weeks but Riccardo Calafiori’s absence at left-back has been an issue. The Italy international has not played since the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace before Christmas but was back in training this week.
Piero Hincapie filled in for Calafiori during his absence until he picked up a groin injury in the goalless draw with Liverpool. But the Ecuador international was also back among his teammates at London Colney this week.
Given his lengthy lay-off, Mikel Arteta might be tempted to ease Calafiori back into action with Hincapie’s absence a relatively shorter one, sitting out the last four games.
The manager also has the option of moving Jurrien Timber over to the left and leave Ben White at right-back, one he took against Nottingham Forest last time out with Myles Lewis-Skelly starting midweek against Inter.
Max Dowman is Arsenal’s only remaining absentee.
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After Gabriel Jesus’ two goals in Italy midweek, the Brazil international is giving Arteta a serious dilemma up top. Despite a return of just one goal from open play in 16 Premier League matches, Viktor Gyokeres has remained first choice up top and his goal off the bench against Inter was another suggestion a turning point may be approaching.
Arteta’s faith in Gyokeres could see him given the nod against one of the sides who were interested in signing him last summer.
United eventually opted for Benjamin Sesko who, despite three goals in his last two appearances, was dropped to the bench by Michael Carrick as they blew Manchester City away in last week’s derby.
While Carrick spoke glowingly of the striker in his press conference this week, he will be tempted to stick with the same attack than ran riot at Old Trafford with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line ahead of Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu.
With no fresh injury concerns, Carrick could opt with the same XI with Matthijs de Ligt still ‘a couple of weeks’ off a return from a back injury that has sidelined him since the end of November.
Joshua Zirkzee remains out injured but Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be available again after his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Morocco ended in heartbreak last Sunday.
Arsenal XI to face Man Utd – Metro prediction
Gyokeres or Jesus? It will be a decision Arteta has been perhaps mulling over all week.
Piero Hincapie’s availability could see him given the nod at left-back with Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi certain to return to the starting XI after they were benched midweek.
Leandro Trossard played 79 minutes at San Siro, suggesting Gabriel Martinelli could be handed a start.
Man Utd XI to face Arsenal – Metro prediction
Matheus Cunha was excellent off the bench against City but Dorgu’s fine performance, marked by a goal, on the left last week merits another start.
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro looks to be Carrick’s first-choice midfield pairing for the rest of the season providing both can stay fit.
Arsenal vs Man Utd TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Man Utd kicks off today (25 January) at 4:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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