Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Introduction:

As part of their USA preseason tour, Arsenal and Manchester United are set to clash in an exciting match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Both teams have started their summer schedule on a positive note, with United securing wins over Leeds United and Lyon, while Arsenal dominated an MLS All-Star team with an impressive 5-0 victory. This preseason friendly is a crucial phase for both managers, Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag, as they prepare their squads for a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign.

Arsenal's Squad and Starting 11:

Arsenal's squad has been bolstered by the recent arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber. Fans will be eager to see Rice in action after his cameo appearance off the bench against the MLS All-Stars. However, new signing Andre Onana is not available for this game due to delayed arrival caused by extended transfer talks. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, another new signing, starts in the lineup alongside established players like Antony, Luke Shaw, and Bruno Fernandes. The starting 11 for Arsenal is as follows:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale

Defense: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu

Midfield: Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz

Forward: Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal's Substitutes:

Mikel Arteta has a strong bench at his disposal with a total of 16 substitutes:

Goalkeepers: Alex Runarsson, Karl Hein

Defenders: Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior, Ben White, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Amario Cozier-Duberry, Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Jorginho

Forwards: Emile Smith Rowe, Leandro Trossard, Folarin Balogun, Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus

Injured Players: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson

Suspended Players: None

Analysis of Arsenal's Lineup:

Manager Mikel Arteta has made significant changes to the team's fullback positions and midfield three. Declan Rice and Kai Havertz get the nod in midfield alongside captain Martin Odegaard, who started on the bench in the previous match. Belgian international Leandro Trossard, who suffered an injury against the MLS All-Stars, returns to training and is available on the bench.

Manchester United's Squad and Starting 11:

Manchester United's lineup features Tom Heaton as their starting goalkeeper until new signing Andre Onana is up to speed. The defensive line consists of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw. In the midfield, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes will be pulling the strings. The attacking trio includes Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho. The starting 11 for Manchester United is as follows:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton

Defense: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw

Midfield: Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Forward: Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho

Manchester United's Substitutes:

Manager Erik ten Hag has opted for a strong bench, which includes 20 substitutes:

Goalkeepers: Nathan Bishop, Radek Vitek

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Alvaro Fernandez, Brandon Williams

Midfielders: Hannibal Mejbri, Casemiro, Amad Diallo, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek

Forwards: Dan Gore, Omari Forson, Facundo Pellistri, Marcus Rashford

Injured Players: Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Rhys Bennett

Suspended Players: None

Other Absences: Fred (personal issue), Andre Onana (recent transfer), Anthony Elanga (impending transfer)

Analysis of Manchester United's Lineup:

Manager Erik ten Hag has decided to field some of his star players, introducing them after predominantly using younger players in the first two preseason friendlies. Notably, new signing Anthony Elanga is absent from the squad due to an impending move to Nottingham Forest, while goalkeepers Andre Onana and Dean Henderson are not available for this match. The only other players not present for the USA tour are Fred (due to personal issues), Tyrell Malacia (injury), and 19-year-old center-back Rhys Bennett (injury).

Conclusion:

The Arsenal vs. Manchester United preseason friendly promises to be an exciting clash between two top-tier teams. With new signings and established stars on both sides, fans can expect an enthralling match as the teams continue their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 season. The encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 22, 2023, is sure to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide.