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Are diamonds forever?
After the incredible performance against RB Leipzig in the middle of the week, all eyes will be on Manchester United’s team for their game against Arsenal.
Almost every player on the field has a viable alternative right now with the scramble for places in midfield, perhaps the biggest dilemma Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to solve.
United opted for a wide 4-2-3-1 setup in their last two league games, but the two most impressive wins of the season came in Europe after a couple of inspired line-up changes.
The diamond midfield that performed so well in the middle of the week might be the best tactic to pursue, but that in turn raises the question of which players come in to fill it.
Paul Pogba was exceptional on the left side of a diamond with Nemanja Matic and Fred also able to play their preferred roles. Donny van de Beek worked hard in the attacking role, but Bruno Fernandes overshadowed him in his cameo in the second half. Bringing in the Portuguese early on could see United discover their best balance in midfield.
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Tuanzebe to lose you again
After a good clean sheet midweek, there is no real reason to turn things around on defense this weekend, even if it means Axel Tuanzebe remains on the bench again.
His performance against Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to herald a new reign in United’s defense, but he has been watching from the sidelines ever since.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have done little wrong, so it would be hard to leave either of them, and Tuanzebe will likely only start if Solskjaer switches to three back again. The continued absence of Alex Telles likely makes the three behind him less likely, with Luke Shaw being required as a left back rather than in his role as an impromptu central option.
Two forwards have a goal
Since scoring twice against Arsenal in his Premier League debut in February 2016, Marcus Rashford has not scored in any of his last nine appearances against them in all competitions.
His first senior hat-trick midweek was the perfect preparation to end the voodoo, and Rashford will likely lead the line in the final match of Anthony Martial’s national suspension.
At the other end, eyes will be on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has gone five league games without a goal for the first time since November 2014. During this five-game streak, the forward has attempted just five shots in total and failed he has landed a shot on goal three times.
Cavani ready for the title role?
There is an argument to suggest that United could get by without Martial by pushing Rashford out and using Edinson Cavani down the middle early on.
United have been eager to facilitate the Uruguayan’s action following his transfer deadline day arrival and after two encouraging appearances, it might be time for him to begin.
Cavani is probably best introduced from the bench if the game needs fresh legs, but his physique and pressure could be key in putting pressure on the Arsenal defense before they have a chance to settle down.
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