Arsenal and United will both start without key defenders but it is United who have looked much more convincing when fielding a weakened backline. Arsenal suffered once more in the Champions League in midweek and will be looking to recover immediately through the ever-dangerous Alexis Sánchez. Per Mertesacker’s rustiness, however, could prove fatal for the Gunners’ chances. Graham Searles

Kick-off Sunday 4pm

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 1 Man Utd 2

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee A Taylor

This season G7, Y28, R1, 4.1 cards per game

Odds H 11-10 A 11-4 D 12-5

Arsenal

Subs from Ospina, Debuchy, Gibbs, Chambers, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Campbell

Doubtful None

Injured Arteta (thigh, 17 Oct), Flamini (17 Oct), Koscielny (both hamstring, 24 Oct), Wilshere (leg, Dec), Welbeck (knee, Feb), Rosicky (knee, unknown)

Suspended None

Form WLWWD

Discipline Y8 R2

Leading scorer Giroud, Sánchez 3

Manchester Utd

Subs from Romero, Lingard, Pereira, Fellaini, Schneiderlin, Young, Jones, Herrera, McNair, Valencia

Doubtful Herrera, McNair (match fitness)

Injured Rojo (hamstring, 17 Oct), Shaw (broken leg, Apr)

Suspended None

Form WWWLD

Discipline Y9 R0

Leading scorer Mata, Martial 3