Arsenal v Man Utd confirmed team news : Azeez in matchday squad; Shoretire missing

Published: April 23, 2022

To kickoff the game week 34 fixtures in the Premier League, Arsenal will be hosting Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in a crucial game for both teams who are aspiring to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The two managers Mikel Arteta and Ralf Rangnick have announced the matchday squad, with only one player of Nigerian descent making the cut.

Hale End Academy product Miguel Azeez has earned his fourth consecutive call-up for a Premier League game but starts on the bench just as was the case against Brighton & Hove, Southampton and Chelsea.

Azeez has been promoted to the Arsenal first team on a temporary basis as a result of the unavailability of holding midfielder Thomas Partey who is all but out for the season after suffering a thigh injury in the defeat to Crystal Palace after the international break.

In central midfield, Arteta has given the nod to Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny, with the duo retaining their places after starring in their last outing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United wonderkid Shola Shoretire was on U23 duties on Friday evening, so has been left out of the squad to face Arsenal, despite being involved in the penultimate training session on Thursday.

The fight for the Champions League ticket currently involves four teams; Tottenham Hotspur are fourth with 57 points, same number as Arsenal who have a lesser goal difference, Manchester United are in sixth place with 54 points and West Ham United are seventh with 52 points.

Arsenal starting XI : Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Smith Rowe.

Manchester United starting XI : De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles; McTominay, Matic; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com