Arsenal team news: Expected XI vs Man Utd with Gunners sweating on Bukayo Saka

ARSENAL will look to go fourth with a win over Manchester United on Thursday evening.

Arsenal's Gabriel fends off baseball bat attacker

Arsenal's poor start to the season has been completely turned on its head by one loss in just ten Premier League games. The Gunners are now genuine Champions League qualification contenders - but with boss Mikel Arteta admitting three players including Bukayo Saka may be injured, others may come in to fill in against Manchester United. Express Sport takes a look at the potential XI.

Goalkeeper: Ramsdale

Most raised eyebrows at Aaron Ramsdale when he was signed for £25million from Sheffield United, having experienced two consecutive relegations from the Premier League with the Blades and Bournemouth.

The general consensus was that money would have been spent better elsewhere given Bernd Leno's prominence.

Yet after displacing the German from the starting XI, Ramsdale has proved himself as one of the league's best keepers.

And he will continue to start in net against United as a result.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka could miss out after Mikel Arteta was unsure on whether he would play (Image: GETTY)

Defence: Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney

Arsenal's defence has been superb in the last 10 league games, conceding just eight goals as they rise to the top four.

It has coincided with the arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who joined from Bologna for £16m.

The Japanese international has formed a superb relationship with Ben White and Gabriel.

And with Nuno Tavares making multiple mistakes at Anfield a few weeks ago, Kieran Tierney may be brought in.

Midfield: Thomas, Sambi Lokonga, Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe's superb form has earned him an England spot after scoring four goals in 13 games.

The 21-year-old has been instrumental in Arteta's revival as manager.

Granit Xhaka will continue to miss out after Arteta confirmed his absence for the visit to Old Trafford.

But with Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga behind him, the Gunners have a long-term midfield that they can build upon for the rest of the season.

Arteta

Mikel Arteta's side could go fourth with a win, if results go their way (Image: GETTY)

Attack: Pepe, Aubameyang, Martinelli

Bukayo Saka is usually one of the first names on the team sheet after a stellar run of form for the Gunners this season.

His athleticism opens chances for other players, and two goals and two assists from the wing is a good return for a team that primarily play passing football.

But with the winger likely to miss out, Gabriel Martinelli may come to the starting XI to take his place.

And alongside Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the trio will look to wreak havoc at Old Trafford.

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