Ex-Manchester United defender makes Arsenal prediction and names three players key to victory
Mikael Silvestre has predicted the battle between Manchester United and Arsenal will be won in midfield, highlighting the trio of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen as the key to success for Erik ten Hag's side.
The Reds have underwhelmed with displays so far this season having earned only narrow wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest either side of a loss to Tottenham. Arsenal are set to provide their toughest test so far despite the Gunners being held to a draw by Fulham on Saturday.
United travel to the Emirates without a number of players including Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount. It likely means that Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot and Eriksen will start.
Former United and Arsenal defender Silvestre is not convinced United will have enough defensive resolution to cope with Arsenal on Sunday. “The back four of United is unstable, and they have no left-back currently,” he told bettingexpert.com.
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“Martinez, Lindelof and Varane have been playing, but there’s no consistency. Dalot, who was starting most of last season at right-back, now has to play on the left. United also have a new goalkeeper, so it’s a work in progress. That’s a question mark, and Arsenal can take advantage.”
Silvestre also outlined how Arsenal have defensive worries of their own with Jurrien Timber out of action and Mikel Arteta using a hybrid full-back tactic. “There’s question marks. You need time to settle the back four and the goalkeeper,” he said.
The Frenchman suggested the game will be won in midfield and said it is the job of United’s central trio to command the play against an Arsenal midfield that have so far shown a lot of quality.
He continued: “The midfield battle
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