Arsenal looking to outgun United
After taking a hammering at West Ham, Solskjaer places his hopes on Pogba ahead of the Old Trafford invasion by the Gunners.
It’s Matchday 7 this weekend in the English Premier League and Liverpool are expected to maintain their unbeaten record, and their five-point cushion at the top of the log, when they face Sheffield United tomorrrow.
And after their 8-0 annihilation of Watford last weekend, the question is not whether Manchester City will continue on their path of destruction, but rather to what extent Everton will be able to do damage control.
But the do-or-die encounter between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday promises to be the match of the weekend.
Arsenal – with 11 points - are clinging on to their fourth spot on the log and victory will see them stay in touch of Manchester City who are only two points ahead.
But for Man United, who have so far this season managed to collect less than half the log points on offer – eight points from a possible 18 after six matches – another defeat could see them drop into the bottom half of the table.
The good news for United is that Paul Pogba is likely to regain full fitness before the match with Arsenal.
The midfielder has been unavailable since withdrawing from the France squad at the start of the international break early September with an ankle injury.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident Pogba will take on the Gunners, saying “we definitely think he’s ready for Arsenal”.
Pogba’s return is a welcome boost for United in the wake of a deeply disappointing 2-0 league defeat at West Ham on Sunday.
The former Juventus star has not played for United since the 1-1 draw at Southampton on 31 August.
Marcus Rashford suffered a groin injury at London Stadium and it is unclear how long he will need to recover.
Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw are also still sidelined, while Eric Bailly continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Mason Greenwood, who missed the loss to West Ham due to tonsillitis, is hoping to be available. The 17-year-old, who scored his first senior goal for the club to earn a 1-0 win over Astana in the Europa League last week, is United’s only central attacking option in the absence of Rashford and Martial.
Fit-again Jesse Lingard was used as a makeshift striker against the Hammers following Rashford’s injury.
Arsenal are facing problems of their own, with the Gunners faithful booing Granit Xhaka during Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League win over Aston Villa.
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery defended Xhaka and said the 26-year-old is still very much part of his plans and wants to see more support for him from fans.
The Gunners, who had Ainsley MaitlandNiles sent off in the first half, looked to be heading for a sorry home defeat last weekend as John McGinn and Wesley scored for Villa either side of Nicolas Pepe’s first goal for the club.
Calum Chambers levelled in the 81st minute, though, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a dramatic three points with a superb free-kick six minutes from time.
That late jubilation was a far cry from the scenes that greeted Xhaka’s removal for Joe Willock earlier in the half, with large numbers of the home faithful audibly expressing their dissatisfaction with the Swiss international’s display.
“We need our supporters and we need them helping each player,” Emery told a media conference. “It is our responsibility to transmit our commitment and Xhaka is doing this.”
Matteo Guendouzi was central to Arsenal’s stirring second-half display, winning the penalty which was converted by Pepe and driving the Gunners forward at every opportunity. Emery was full of praise for the 20-year-old and said he had exactly the kind of attitude he wanted from his players.
“With Matteo, last year when he came here he progressed… I like that spirit he has. He has talent but above all I like his attitude, his energy, his commitment and his behaviour.” –