It feels like ages have gone by since clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United were viewed as top-of-the-table derbies. For years now both clubs are dwelling far from the possibility of lifting the Premier League trophy but there’s plenty riding on this latest installment for both clubs – this one could potentially make or break both sides’ top-four chances. The hosts have the upper hand in the fight for a European place – ideally in the Champions League – as they’re ahead by three points with a game in hand following Wednesday’s fine 4-2 win over reigning European champions, Chelsea.After Arsenal lost two consecutive home league fixtures for the first time since December 2020, the win over their city rivals was important and the Gunners will hope it can help them build momentum with three home Premier League matches remaining this term. The Gunners conceded just after the hour-mark in both of those defeats at the Emirates and that peculiar piece of statistics would need to make manager Mikel Arteta more aware of his team’s drop in focus in that particular part of the match.Arsenal are entering the next phase: Gabriel Jesus is the man to lead the Gunners’ attack next seasonArteta’s colleague from the opposite dugout Ralf Rangnick went through a 4-0 beating against Liverpool and did not spare hurtful words on his team’s defensive performance – “It is embarrassing, it is disappointing, maybe even humiliating.”, the German said following the match.After Red Devils conceded nine goals in two matches to their biggest rivals in a league campaign (for the first time ever), few would disagree with Rangnick.Improvement is a necessity as United won only once in five competitive matches (D1, L3) – or else they risk missing out on Europe next term – that means that even Conference League could pass the Theater of Dreams by. But even with all the trouble surrounding the Red Devils – it is an unlikely worst-case scenario.Pochettino stunned by Ten Hag’s appointmentThe Saturday clash at the Emirates could be another tricky one for United as there are still missing some key players and given the fact they lost their last three league away fixtures. Manchester Reds haven’t scored here in three head-to-head clashes (D1, L2) and even the possibility of suffering four consecutive league away defeats for the first time since 1981 can’t be ruled out of the picture.United’s porous defence needs to be on the lookout for young Eddie Nketiah. The Englishman rewarded Arteta’s faith in him against Chelsea with his first two league goals of the season and Nketiah can also brag with talismanic properties as Arsenal have never lost when he’s been on the scoresheet (W15, D1).##EDITORS_CHOICE##If Nketiah repeats the energy he has shown at Stamford Bridge – it will surely help Arsenal in breaking an unlucky streak of netting just once in the first half across their last six home league games.On the other end, his fellow 22-year-old countryman Jadon Sancho is still looking for his Borussia Dortmund form but it is evident he is slowly losing the stiffness that was obvious in the first couple of months in the Devil shirt.The sight of Takehiro Tomiyasu back on the training pitches earlier this week overjoyed Arsenal fans, but the right-back was still not involved in the win over Chelsea and may only be considered for a place on the bench here.Arteta has no fresh concerns to contend with, apart from Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney remaining sidelined for the long-term.Has Pogba played his last game for Manchester United? His current boss believes soAs for the visitors, Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the pitch. The 37-year-old Portuguese was understandably not involved in midweek after the tragic death of his newborn son. Luke Shaw, Fred and Edinson Cavani are in the medical bay, joined by Paul Pogba who was taken off with a calf issue after only 10 minutes against Liverpool. Scott McTominay’s return from a foot problem is timely to replace the Frenchman.Also, United boss is reportedly preparing to take Harry Maguire out of the starting lineup after a bomb threat at the defender’s home. Raphael Varane is back to the squad this weekend and should take the Englishman’s spot.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 34Saturday14:30: (2.30) Arsenal (3.40) Man.Utd. (3.35)17:00: (2.85) Leicester (3.30) Aston Villa (2.65)17:00: (1.10) Man.City (12.0) Watford (30.0)17:00: (3.60) Norwich (3.35) Newcastle (2.20)19:30: (4.10) Brentford (3.50) Tottenham (2.00)Sunday16:00: (2.30) Brighton (3.25) Southampton (3.50)16:00: (2.90) Burnley (2.90) Wolverhampton (2.75)16:00: (1.60) Chelsea (4.00) West Ham (6.50)18:30: (1.22) Liverpool (7.00) Everton (15.0)Monday22:00: (2.10) Crystal Palace (3.50) Leeds (3.80)***odds are subject to change***
