Manchester United take on Arsenal on Sunday in a big clash at the top of the Premier League table.
A defeat could prematurely end any distant hopes United have of winning the title – but a victory could throw the chase wide open.
A draw in midweek at Crystal Palace was a blow, and while the team remain unbeaten since the World Cup, an even bigger problem emerged with Casemiro’s suspension.
Erik ten Hag may have a plan to deal with this, and we suspect this could involve a change of formation…
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How Manchester United could line-up v Arsenal
Casemiro is a force to be reckoned with in midfield and while United beat Arsenal without him in September, the Gunners were without their star man Thomas Partey.
Arsenal have grown in confidence since, and we suspect Erik ten Hag could look to shift formation to shore up the midfield, and try to beat Arsenal on the counter, with two pacy attackers.
David de Gea will start in goal with Aaron Wan-Bissaka continuing at right-back. The centre-back pairing could see Luke Shaw partner Raphael Varane, like he did successfully in the derby. This would see Tyrell Malacia start at left-back.
Then in midfield, this is where we anticipate change, with Erik ten Hag shifting into a four-man system, to ensure United win the battle.
This would see Scott McTominay, Fred, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes all start, giving United a good mix of tenacity and creativity. If required, Fernandes could also play wide, sticking to Ten Hag’s usual system.
What this extra man in midfield does, is focus the situation up front, to select just two attackers, and United would select Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Their pace is ideal to stretch the Arsenal defence and break away on the counter. This also eliminates the choice between a half-fit Anthony Martial, and Wout Weghorst, who may be better as an impact substitute.
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