Arsenal will be aiming to preserve their 100 per cent record in the Premier League when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Gunners have been superb during the opening weeks of the campaign. They have picked up five straight victories, and now face their biggest challenge of the season.
Old Trafford has been a tough ground for the club over the years, and Sunday’s game could be another testing one particularly with injuries to a number of key players.
Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are out with thigh and hamstring injuries respectively while Oleksandr Zinchenko will play no part on Sunday with a knee problem.
Aside from the trio, there are fresh concerns for Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale, who picked up knocks against Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that they will be assessed.
If Odegaard were to miss the game, we firmly believe that Arteta should go with two up top.
Eddie Nketiah was excellent in his eight-minute cameo against Villa in midweek. He was sublime with his hold-up play and positioning when the Villa were pushing for the equaliser.
He also completed 100 per cent of his passes alongside one dribble. The 23-year-old also got into a terrific shooting position, but lacked the composure to find the back of the net.
Despite this, the cameo showed his eagerness to make an impression. Nketiah was also up for the challenge against Fulham where he was once again letdown by his finishing in the box.
Judging by his last two performances, the £14.4 million-rated star definitely deserves a starting spot, and it could come on Sunday if Arteta were to go with a 4-4-2 formation in Odegaard’s absence.
Gabriel Jesus has been an undisputed starter up front since his £45m move from Manchester City, and it could be exciting to watch him and Nketiah work in tandem against the Red Devils.
Whether that happens remains to be seen. Arteta may choose to play Emile Smith Rowe in the number 10 role if Odegaard misses out, but the 22-year-old has not been at his best after recent injuries.
Fabio Vieira is unlikely to be an option, having not played a single minute thus far. If Arteta prefers to play two up top and wants more midfield assurance, a 3-5-2 set-up could also be on the cards.
