Manchester United - Arsenal: Jesus and Dalot make the combined XI but Ronaldo misses out
The Gunners currently sit in first, while the Red Devils are fifth after recovering from a poor start to the season, and the match this weekend is already a hugely meaningful one this early on in the campaign. Arsenal will go in as the favourites, having lost just once in their last eight Premier League games against United, while also starting the season in much more formidable fashion.
Ahead of big matches like this, it’s always fun to do a combined starting XI, so let’s do just that. But to be clear, this is based on how good they have been this season and their current form. So no, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t guaranteed an automatic berth in the side, and Casemiro has barely even played yet.
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale (24) – David de Gea struggled in the opening two games of the season and was a fault for two goals against Brentford in that 4-0 loss. Ramsdale on the other hand, is yet to make a direct error leading to a goal. The England international has conceded four goals this season while De Gea has let in seven.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot (23) - Dalot has stepped up for United this season, and is averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game compared to Ben White’s 2.2 tackles and 0.8 interceptions. Dalot is well ahead in an attacking sense, which is expected as right back isn’t White’s natural position. The former is averaging 1.8 key passes per game while the latter is only averaging 0.4.
William Saliba (21) – The Frenchman has almost been like a new signing for the Gunners, and pips Raphael Varane – who has been excellent – in the side. Both have similar defensive numbers, but Saliba bagged a stunning goal against Bournemouth, and also has an imperious man of the match performance against Crystal Palace to his name.
Lisandro Martinez (24) – Despite struggling against Brighton and Brentford, Martinez has been brilliant since being partnered with Varane. Many have been skeptical about his height and whether he can cut it in the Premier League, but two man of the match performances in his last three games suggests otherwise. The Argentinean has the second highest percentage of passes completed in the opponent’s half at 98%, second only to John Stones.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (25) – The Ukrainian has been a superb signing for the Gunners, and given them a new dimension offensively as well as being solid defensively. He is averaging 2.7 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game while United’s Tyrell Malacia is averaging 2.4 and 1 respectively. Zinchenko is also on average completing 0.7 key passes and 0.3 dribbles, while the Dutchman is yet to register either.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen (30) – Not spectacular, but the Dane has done a neat and tidy job in midfield, exactly what Ten Hag wants. Incredibly, no other United player has done more running that Eriksen this season, who has averaged 10.69km covered per 90 minutes.
Martin Odegaard (23) – Odegaard continues to go from strength to strength and orchestrates everything good from midfield for the Gunners. With three goals this campaign alongside his work ethic and sheer class, he is a guaranteed pick.
Granit Xhaka (29) – Once seen as a liability, Xhaka is playing the best football he has ever played for Arsenal. In a slightly more advanced midfield role, he already has a goal and two assists this season and is taking 4.5% more touches in the opponent’s area compared to prior years, illustrating his attacking intent.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (20) – Sancho may have more goals, but Saka’s all-round game has been far better than his England team mate. Alongside his two assists, Saka is averaging 2.2 dribbles and 2 key passes per game. Sancho is averaging 1.4 dribbles and 1 key pass per game, and despite his two league goals, he hasn't performed as well as Saka.
Gabriel Jesus (25) – One of the signings of the summer, not much explaining needs to be done about just how good Jesus has been. His hold up play has been spectacular, and with three goals and three assists in five games, he has taken Arsenal to another level.
Gabriel Martinelli (21) – Once described as the ‘talent of the century’ by Jurgen Klopp, he is beginning to show his undoubted class. His direct playing style is a nightmare for any defender and after scoring three goals this season, he is clearly taking the step up. Martinelli is also averaging 1.2 tackles per game, more than his fellow forwards, showcasing his relentless work ethic.