Pundit Predictions: Who replaces Licha?

Wednesday 04 December 2024 15:34

Ruben Amorim faces a couple of selection headaches as Manchester United prepare to face in-form Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in Wednesday's Premier League fixture.

The 20:15 GMT kick-off is certainly a tantalising prospect. Hosts Arsenal have been in free-scoring form since returning from the November international break, putting away 13 goals in three games. United, meanwhile, have eight goals to our name, having struck four times against Everton to give Amorim a second successive Old Trafford win last week.

This league fixture also acts as something of a teaser to the FA Cup third round, where we've been drawn against the Gunners in north London. That cup tie will be played in early January next year.

Ahead of the match, we've been playing our United Predictions game alongside MUTV pundits Wes Brown and Danny Webber. Join us in selecting Ruben's starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes if you do.

The key debate around Amorim's starting line-up revolves around his three-man defence. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have started recent games, in the middle and on the right respectively, but left-sided centre-back Lisandro Martinez is suspended - as is midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. With both having started against Everton on Sunday, who'll replace the pair in midweek?

Well, Wes expects Maguire to come in for Martinez and Casemiro for Mainoo. Check out his full predictions below...

WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS

United line-up: Onana; Maguire, De Ligt, Mazraoui; Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford.

First scorer: Rashford
Final score: 2-3
Man of the Match: Amad

Ruben suggested in his press conference at Old Trafford on Monday evening that summer arrival Leny Yoro could be involved on Wednesday night. The young Frenchman's return from injury has been managed carefully, Amorim said, because he's a "special talent."

Wes doesn't think Leny will be in from the start in north London, and neither does fellow pundit Danny Webber, who has picked a similar, but not identical team.

DANNY WEBBER'S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Amad; Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.

How will Leny Yoro be involved at Arsenal?poll

How will Leny Yoro be involved at Arsenal?

First scorer: Fernandes
Final score: 1-2
Man of the Match: Amad

Both Wes and Danny are expecting big things from Amad, who has been in sparkling form of late. The effervescent winger assisted twice against Everton, with his harrying style of defenders and composed lay-offs for team-mates become trademark.

This is why fans love Amad Video

This is why fans love Amad

NUMBERS! | Amad now has nine goal involvements for the season so far; which is your favourite? Watch them all here...

That's our two pundits expecting a United victory at the Emirates, which would really lay down a marker in what will be only Amorim's fourth game as head coach.

Need some more inspiration before making your pick on the scoreline or Man of the Match? Well, here's what our writers are expecting on Wednesday night...

SAM CARNEY PREDICTS... A THRILLING 2-2

United may not have won at the Emirates Stadium since January 2019, but our last two visits haven’t exactly lacked for excitement. The Reds were denied by Eddie Nketiah’s injury-time goal in early 2023 and once again took the lead, through Marcus Rashford, when returning to the north London ground later that year. Martin Odegaard soon pegged us back and Arsenal scored twice to win it, deep into stoppage time, but only after Alejandro Garnacho’s ‘winner’ had been cruelly ruled out for the most marginal of offsides.

Both sides were in the goals at the weekend and I’m expecting more of the same tonight. Let’s hope it can be United enjoying the last-gasp celebrations this time!

How are you feeling ahead of Wednesday night’s game?poll

How are you feeling ahead of Wednesday night’s game?

HARRY ROBINSON PREDICTS... GARNACHO-INDUCED EUPHORIA

Come on, why not be madly optimistic? We've had some pain at the Emirates recently, but only after moments of joy. Maybe this time, we'll get to properly relish stupid scenes of euphoria as Garnacho gives us a famous win. I can see our electric Argentine having an influence off the bench in this game. Amad has been in such stellar form that he should start, and his ability to hold onto the ball could give us a helpful out if Arsenal build pressure. Naturally, they will, as the in-form home side, so that outlet will be valuable and, should United win, Amad will surely have a big influence. But as someone fearless and relentless you turn to late on to take the game to the opposition, Garnacho is your man. So, I'm going for a memorable 3-2 United win, with Garnacho getting the winner, just as he thought he'd done last season, only for VAR to rule it out. Sometimes football is magic... maybe tonight will be one of those times.

MARK FROGGATT PREDICTS... AMAD TO SHINE

Like many United fans, I’ve loved Amad’s performances in recent weeks and in particular his willingness to fight for the team by playing in a new position. But it’s his tenacious, infectious pressing that has really caught the eye and directly led to goals against PAOK and Everton. With five goal involvements from his last five appearances – two goals, three assists - Amad is arguably the first name on our teamsheet right now and I’m predicting a big night for him at the Emirates Stadium, where lung-busting runs have led to some classic United goals over the years. I’m feeling good about the game, too. My score prediction is Arsenal 0 United 1, with our in-form Ivorian as Man of the Match.

PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS

Do you agree or disagree with Wes, Danny and our writers? Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.

You have until 19:00 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.

With amazing prizes - including signed shirts and United Store vouchers - on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!

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