Premier League: United Aim to Leapfrog Arsenal
anchester United will be looking to complete a Premier League double over Arsenal when they meet at Old Trafford today. Louis van Gaal’s side were 2-1 winners at the Emirates in November and would leapfrog the Gunners into third in the table with victory.
After losing three on the spin, United returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace last weekend and need just a point to mathematically secure Champions League qualification, although fifthplaced Liverpool are six points behind and with a far inferior goal difference.
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from their first league defeat in three months after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Swansea. The Gunners, who won 2-1 at Old Trafford in the sixth round of the FA Cup, are also aiming to pip Manchester City to second spot.
Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw are have been ruled out after picking up injuries against Crystal Palace last weekend. Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are doubts while Michael Carrick and Rafael are out of the rest of the season. Danny Welbeck will miss the chance to face his former club as he has been ruled out with a knee injury and Mathieu Debuchy is also unavailable.
Manchester United are unbeaten in seven home league meetings with Arsenal (W6 D1), since a 1-0 defeat in September Swansea City Man/United Vs Manchester City 13:30 Vs Arsenal 16:00 2006. Wayne Rooney has 11 goals against Arsenal in the Premier League. He has only scored more against Aston Villa (13) and Newcastle (12).
Arsenal could become the fourth team in history to beat Man United twice at Old Trafford in the same season. The others were Chelsea (2004/05), Tottenham (1989/90) and Aston Villa (1919/20).
Manchester United have gone seven Premier League games without a clean sheet; they last went eight without a shutout in September 2001.
Arsenal have won their last five Premier League away games; their longest winning run since September 2013 (eight wins, their joint-best in the Premier League era).