As Manchester United prepares to take on Arsenal at Old Trafford, a fixture which in the past might have decided who would be the Premiership champions, this season last home game has Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal knowing that a victory for United gives his club a chance of finishing third there by avoiding a Champions League playoff.
The Dutchman will be without a number of key players however with Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney definitely unavailable after having picked up injuries in last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick will also be another absentee, and while Rafael has returned training he is not yet considered match fit.
Goalkeeper
This could be the last time that Manchester United fans get to watch arguably the team’s best player, with increasing news linking the 24-year-old with a move back to Spain, and with De Gea still not any closer to signing a new contract it looks like this might be his last game at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.
Defence
We expect to see the back-four remain the same with Smalling and Jones in the heart of defence while Valencia will remain at right-back. Left-back however could prove to be a problem for LVG as it will be almost impossible to play Daley Blind in that position so we expect to see Marcos Rojo return to the starting XI.
Midfield
Daley Blind will continue in midfield along with Ander Herrera with Marouane Fellaini continuing to play as a number eight, and despite Angel Di Maria being fit we do not think that Ashley Young should be dropped following his recent good performances, so expect to see him remain in the team along with Juan Mata.
Attack
With Wayne Rooney injured we expect to see Robin van Persie take over the striker’s role against his former club with United supporters happy to see him back in his familiar role.
