After a devastating loss to Sheffield United, Manchester United (2nd, 40 points) head out to Emirates Stadium as they take on Arsenal (9th, 30 Points) in Matchday 21’s Match of the week. A win for both teams would be massive, but would mean even more for the Red Devils as they are only one point behind town rivals, Manchester City.

As for Arsenal, the Gunners look to continue their good form and extend their win streak to six. Arsenal have had an up and down start to the first half of the season, falling to foes like Liverpool, Everton, and Wolves, leaving them as far down as 15th on the Premier League table. The club known for the 2002’ “Invincibles”, an undefeated championship squad led by Arsenal legends, Thierry Henry and Ian Wright, were very close to reaching the relegation zone for the first time since the few times they’ve flirted with league demotion in the 70’s.

United Goalkeeper, David De Gea (above), making a crucial save shot by an Arsenal attacker in their intense bout in 2017. Photo Credit: Manchester United via Instagram (@manchesterunited) — **United Goalkeeper, David De Gea (above), making a crucial save shot by an Arsenal attacker in their intense bout in 2017.** Photo Credit: Manchester United via Instagram (@manchesterunited)

United have plenty to shake-off after their 2-1 upset loss to Sheffield, and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer believes he has prepared his squad for a bounce back against Arsenal. “You never want to lose a game to learn from it, you want to learn from the games you win. I expect everyone to perform well and let’s hope the result comes too”, Ole says at United’s Pre-Game presser. A big performance is something every United player should keen on if the Red Devils would like to remain in the title race. The United legend also recognizes Arsenal’s recent form and what great of a club they are. “[Arsenal] have been impressive lately, and we’ve always had great games against them, i’ve got some good memories myself. Hopefully we can get a result”, he says.

Arsenal outpaced their way past Southampton in their previous fixture, with contributions from Pepe, Saga, and Lacazette, leading to a 3-1 win in St. Mary’s. A win against United can move the Gunners as high as 7th or 6th on the league table, depending on the results of other matches.

Nico Pepe showcased his dribbling and speed with a brilliant drive through the Saints’ backline that lead to a goal in Arsenal’s Tuesday night win. Photo Credit: Arsenal via Instagram (@arsenal) — **Nico Pepe showcased his dribbling and speed with a brilliant drive through the Saints’ backline that lead to a goal in Arsenal’s Tuesday night win.** Photo Credit: Arsenal via Instagram (@arsenal)

One player every United fan will have their eye on this weekend will be Anthony Martial, who looks to clean up his form and end his four-game goal drought. Despite his recent performance, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer reiterates his confidence in Martial and his work ethic. “I know Anto, he’s been working really hard in training, working on his finishing, working on his movement, so I’ve got no doubts that he will come good.” United continue to look to star players, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, to lead the way to three points, but it will most definitely how David De Gea and the backline look to redeem themselves after a heart-shattering performance against Sheffield last Wednesday night. Without taking away a stand-out performance from the Blades, the way they won and the goals they scored were ones United are not known for allowing, and best believe they will be ones Red Devil fans everywhere are quick to forget.

Without a doubt, this match will be the best to watch, and could possibly change the aspect of the table and the course of the season. Can Ole take the wheel and lead United pass Arsenal at Emirates? Or will Arteta play spoiler and continue to turn this Gunner ship around?