Predicted Manchester United lineup against Arsenal: Casemiro suspended; Fred, Weghorst to start

Erik ten Hag will make slight tweaks to the Manchester United lineup due to the absence of Casemiro, with Fred set to start against Arsenal.

Fourth-placed Manchester United head to the Emirates to face league-leaders Arsenal on Sunday in the hope of reducing the points gap at the top. Erik ten Hag will take his full available squad to north London, hoping to get a positive result out of the venue.

But ten Hag and Manchester United will have to contend without the imperious presence of midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian has proven to be an immense presence in the side, and his rise in form coincided with the team’s incredible ten-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

A yellow card picked up at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace in midweek has left the Brazilian suspended for the mouth-watering clash with the Gunners. During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag addressed how he would cope without the midfielder.

Ten Hag said, “Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so we have an idea of how to do it. As you know, Casemiro is absent, but for the rest, we have a good team who has to battle with Arsenal. We have to go head-to-head, and we remain convinced we are in a good way. We have a prepared team and a good plan and energy, and we will be acting [that].”

Due to the Brazilian’s absence, ten Hag will have to tweak his lineup. Fred is likely to start in Casemiro’s place in the middle of the park. And the Brazilian will partner Christian Eriksen in the double pivot. Bruno Fernandes will play the advanced role and become the creative hub for the team.

Ten Hag will likely keep his defensive formation the same for this clash. There were suggestions Tyrell Malacia could come in as left-back to deal with the threat posed by Bukayo Saka. But the Manchester United manager will go with Luke Shaw there, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue at right-back in the prolonged absence of Diogo Dalot.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will form the central defensive partnership, while David de Gea remains the clear choice between the sticks. Further ahead, Marcus Rashford will headline the Manchester United attack and have Antony charging from the right flank. Wout Weghorst will lead the line in consecutive games for the Red Devils.

Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst