Get ready for a thrilling encounter as Arsenal welcomes Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday! After a series of away games, Mikel Arteta and his team are eager to reclaim their home ground advantage.
Despite the recent travel, Arsenal has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak of 12 games across multiple competitions. United, on the other hand, is reeling from yet another managerial change and has failed to secure a win against Arsenal in their last six encounters.
Arsenal's Home Fortress
Arsenal's dominance at home is undeniable. With a 100% win record against United at the Emirates, they aim to continue this streak and solidify their position at the top of the table.
Caretaker Carrick's Challenge
Darren Fletcher's brief stint as caretaker manager ended with a draw against Burnley, and now Michael Carrick takes the reins until the end of the season. Carrick's impact was immediate, as United dominated the Manchester derby, beating City 2-0. However, United's overall performance this season has been inconsistent, with a 15th-place finish last term and early exits from cup competitions.
Managerial Insights
Arteta anticipates a tough match, praising Carrick's ability to bring new ideas and intensity. He emphasizes the importance of individual performances and the need to impose Arsenal's style of play.
Carrick, aware of Arsenal's strengths, acknowledges the challenge ahead. He highlights Arsenal's position in the Champions League as a testament to their quality and expresses enthusiasm for the game, while also recognizing the difficulty of the task.
Team News
Arteta will assess the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, who have been sidelined so far in 2026. Max Dowman remains out with a hamstring injury, and Ethan Nwaneri is on loan at Marseille.
Carrick has a mostly fit squad, but Joshua Kirkzee is doubtful due to a knock sustained during the derby win. Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender, has been out since November with a back injury and is expected to miss a few more weeks.
Tactical Insights
Adrian Clarke predicts a 4-2-3-1 formation for United, similar to their approach against City. United's counter-attacking style, coupled with their ability to create dangerous breakaways, could pose a threat to Arsenal.
Carrick's side demonstrated an impressive work rate, applying intense pressure with 584 pressures against City. Arsenal must be cautious of United's long passes and the threat posed by their front three.
Despite their inconsistent results, United remains a formidable attacking force, scoring in all but one away match and ranking third in the division with 38 goals. Their xG tally of 40.61 is the second-best in the league.
However, United has struggled to hold onto leads, drawing seven times in their last 13 Premier League games and conceding the lead on five occasions. Their defense has also shown some fragility, conceding seven headed goals this season.
Facts and Stats
- West Bromwich Albion was the last team to achieve five consecutive wins against United in the league, between 1976 and 1980.
- United has never gone seven games without a win against Arsenal in their league history.
- Arsenal is unbeaten at the Emirates this season, with 16 games across all competitions, scoring 38 goals and conceding only seven.
- Arsenal aims for their fifth Premier League double over United, but the last time they achieved this without conceding was in the second tier in 1901/02.
- United is winless in their last three league away games but could secure back-to-back league wins in London for the first time since October 2021.
- Arsenal has kept opponents from having a single shot on target in two consecutive Premier League matches, a feat achieved only five times this season.
- Mikel Arteta boasts a 67% win rate against United in the Premier League, the highest among managers who have faced them at least five times.
- Michael Carrick's only Premier League victory against Arsenal as United manager came in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in December 2021.
- Arsenal's last 11 Premier League goals at the Emirates have been scored by different players, including three own goals.
- Declan Rice has been involved in three goals (2 goals, 1 assist) in his last five Premier League appearances against United.
- Bruno Fernandes leads the Premier League in chances created (62) and assists (9) this season.
Match Officials
Craig Pawson will be the referee for this match. Arsenal has failed to win in the last three matches officiated by Pawson, including a 1-0 home loss to West Ham United in February 2023. However, Pawson awarded two penalties in Arsenal's 3-1 win over United in April 2022.
Recent Visits from United
United's recent league record at the Emirates has been poor, failing to win any of their last seven Premier League visits. They did triumph on penalties in the FA Cup third round last year, but Arsenal secured a 2-0 success in the month before.
Live Coverage
Join Nicole Holliday, Jeremie Aliadiere, and Gunners legend Alex Scott on Live From N5 an hour before kick-off for a pre-match analysis.
Our Hero of the Week, an Arsenal legend, will be revealed, and Nicole and Jeremie will discuss potential inductees into the Live from N5 Hall of Fame.
Supporters in the studio will participate in Arsenal Mastermind and Time Capsule, followed by live kick-by-kick commentary by Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke.
Find out which broadcasters are showing the match live in your region, and don't miss this highly anticipated clash!
