Friday 15 May 2015

Match preview: United v Arsenal

United host old rivals Arsenal in our final home game of the season on Sunday knowing a win will take us above them and keep alive slim hopes of a top three finish.

Having all but secured a top four finish last weekend (we need a point to make absolutely certain), Louis van Gaal's side can leapfrog the Gunners (who have a game in hand) and go one point above them, after Arsene Wenger saw his side's unbeaten run end at 11 matches with defeat to Swansea on Monday.

Speaking post-match on Friday, van Gaal said that he wants United to end their home campaign on a high with victory over the north Londoners.
The boss said: 
"We want to be third- it's still possible and we can put pressure on Arsenal on Sunday.
"I want us to win not only to help our position in the first four but it's also important because Sunday is our last match at home and we want to finish on a high.
"I want to thank the fans with a victory."


Former Red Danny Welbeck, who knocked us out of the FA Cup in March, misses the trip to Old Trafford with injury for the Gunners while, for United, Michael Carrick and Rafael are both out.

Van Gaal confirmed that Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw, both of whom sustained injuries during the first half last time out at Palace, are unavailable for selection. 
However, Angel Di Maria and Robin Van Persie have been declared fit and Marcos Rojo has returned to training and could feature. 

LVG added: 

"I have often said that the most important thing is to make a balance in our selection because it's not good that I have to change the positions because players are injured.
"We have to bring that balance in the selection, and that was not the case in this season."


It's honours even between these two this season going into this game.
An own goal from Kieran Gibbs and a strike from Wayne Rooney sealed a 2-1 win at the Emirates in November in the league for the Reds, but Arsenal avenged that defeat with a win by the same scoreline thanks to the aforementioned Welbeck in the FA Cup quarter finals at Old Trafford in March. 

Form guide: United W W L L L W Arsenal W W W D W L
Match odds: United 9/4 Draw 15/4 Arsenal 13/10 (bwin) 

Referee: Mike Dean 

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