Turbulent past histories, scuffles and a war of words provide the backdrop for the early kick-off at Old Trafford.
But the mind games between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are largely irrelevant to Fantasy managers. We are more focused on Arsenal’s ability to expose Manchester United’s lengthy list of injuries.
Alexis Sanchez is the main focus – the Chilean is named in the starting line-up, despite talk of Wenger’s pre-match concerns. But Theo Walcott is also a factor, having navigated his way to another 90 minutes with his second baby imminent.
Their owners will be expecting both to deliver, with United forced into upheaval by absentees. Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsey’s start appears to shift Walcott to the left with Alex Iwobi making way, while Carl Jenkinson’s inclusion in place of the injured Hector Bellerin puts us on alert for a short-term 5.0 option in the Gunners defence.
Mourinho can at least turn to Antonio Valencia today – he makes a rapid recovery from a fractured arm to make an unexpected return. In attack, Wayne Rooney is dropped to the bench as Marcus Rashford is trusted to lead the line, with Mourinho hoping he can repeat his two-goal showing against the Gunners in last season’s 3-2 United win.
