A year ago
Arsenal and Manchester United, two powerhouses of the Premier League, are set to clash in a friendly match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 23.00 CEST, will serve as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming season, offering them a chance to test their mettle against a direct rival.
In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Arsenal and Manchester United faced each other twice on matchdays 6 and 21. The Red Devils emerged victorious in the first encounter with a 3-1 scoreline, while the Gunners turned the tables in the second meeting, securing a 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium. This friendly fixture promises to provide an ideal warm-up for the teams as they gear up for another intense season in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, received a boost ahead of the match with Leandro Trossard's availability, despite the player's recent injury. Arteta confirmed Trossard's fitness during the pre-match press conference, indicating that the talented player will be at his disposal for the showdown against Manchester United.
On the other side, Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, encouraged his players to showcase their capabilities and surprise both in the pre-season and the upcoming campaign. He emphasized the team's desire to play dynamic football with speed and aggression, while also fostering a strong team spirit. Ten Hag views this encounter with Arsenal as a significant challenge and an opportunity for the squad to test themselves at a high level.
Looking at the possible starting lineups for both teams, Arsenal is likely to field Ramsdale as the goalkeeper, while the defensive line could consist of Tomiyasu, Timber, Gabriel, and Tierney. In the midfield, Odegaard, Rice, and Havertz are expected to play, with Saka, Balogun, and Martinelli leading the attack.
For Manchester United, Henderson is projected to start as the goalkeeper, and the defensive quartet might comprise Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, and Williams. In the midfield, Van de Beek and Hannibal are anticipated to feature alongside Mount, while Sancho, Martial, and Diallo form the attacking trio.
As both teams take the field in this high-profile friendly, football fans around the world eagerly await an exciting clash between two footballing giants. The match offers an excellent opportunity for players to test their readiness for the new season and for managers to assess their squad's performance ahead of the intense competition that awaits them in the Premier League.
Total Comments: 0