7M - Arsenal vs. Manchester United Preview: Title Leaders Face Resurgent Red Devils in Emirates Showdown

A high-stakes clash between Mikel Arteta and Michael Carrick takes center stage in Premier League Gameweek 23, as Manchester United travel to North London this Sunday looking to disrupt Arsenal's pursuit of the title. While a significant 15-point gap exists between the two sides, the arrival of Carrick has sparked a swift revival for the visitors.

Match Overview

Arsenal enter this weekend seven points clear at the summit. Despite failing to capitalize on United's 2-0 derby win over Manchester City—stumbling to a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest last week—the Gunners reaffirmed their dominance in midweek. Arteta's men secured a place in the Champions League last 16 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The "Emirates Factor" remains Arsenal's greatest strength. The Gunners are unbeaten in all 16 home matches across all competitions this season, recording 14 wins and never conceding more than a single goal in any individual game at their North London base.

Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive with renewed momentum after a masterclass performance against Manchester City. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured Carrick's first win since taking interim charge, moving United within one point of fifth-placed Liverpool. While United have scored in 11 consecutive matches, defensive consistency on the road remains an issue; they are yet to keep a clean sheet in an away fixture during the 2025-26 campaign.

Team News

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta's defensive crisis is showing signs of recovery. Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) and Piero Hincapie (thigh) returned to training on Friday and are expected to be available. The only confirmed absentee is youngster Max Dowman (ankle). In attack, Arteta faces a selection headache: Gabriel Jesus scored twice against Inter, but Viktor Gyokeres is widely expected to return to the starting XI after his substitute goal in Milan.

Manchester United: Michael Carrick is unlikely to tinker with the lineup that stunned City. Noussair Mazraoui is available following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Matthijs de Ligt remains out with a back injury. Joshua Zirkzee is doubtful with a knock. In midfield, the departing Casemiro will partner Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, the latter of whom created six chances in the recent Manchester derby.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.

Head-to-Head Stats

Arsenal have won five of the last six Premier League meetings against United.

The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford back in August.

Manchester United have not won a Premier League game at the Emirates since 2017.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

While United are riding the "new manager bounce" and possess a lethal counter-attack, Arsenal's near-flawless home record and defensive solidity make them the favorites. Expect the Gunners to keep a clean sheet and secure three points to maintain their seven-point lead at the top.