Manchester United: Predicting the Starting Lineup vs. Arsenal

Manchester United travel to the Emirates this weekend to face Arsenal. I 8-2 say it United fans, but it's not going to be as easy as it was at Old Trafford.

United have started to get their season back on track in their last couple of games, chalking up a victory against rivals Man City in the FA Cup, followed by a 3-0 trouncing of Bolton last week.

Let's take a look at the likely lineup for this weekend's game.

GK: David de Gea

Sir Alex seems to be changing his mind on this decision on a fortnightly basis. You'd almost believe that he decides by flipping a coin before every game-—maybe he does. Does form count for anything in Sir Alex's choice of 'keeper?

De Gea has been used for a lot of the big-game scenarios, so I'd tip him to return to the United goal this weekend.

RB: Rafael

Rafael made his return from injury last week against Bolton. As the only available natural right-back in the squad, he is almost definitely going to start against the Gunners. He caused havoc against Bolton and will be looking to do the same at the Emirates.

CB: Chris Smalling

With Phil Jones in doubt for the weekend, Chris Smalling will likely start. After spending a lot of the season at right-back he will undoubtedly be pleased to get back to his natural position.

CB: Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand could face a race for fitness according to reports earlier this week, but Sir Alex will no doubt be keen to keep the experienced defender in his back line.He's going to have to be on top of his game against Arsenal, as he will be marking the EPL's most consistent goalscorer, Robin van Persie.

LB: Patrice Evra

Despite Fabio's return to fitness, Evra is likely to retain his place at left-back. The stand-in captain has been one of United's underperformers this season and will have to be on his toes on Sunday to keep Arsenal's speedy winger Theo Walcott at bay. 

RM: Antonio Valencia

The Ecuadorian winger has really established himself as one of the key players at Old Trafford over the past couple of weeks. If Arsenal play Ignasi Miquel at left-back then Valencia could have an absolute field-day. If (when) United score, then expect this man to have created it.

CM: Michael Carrick

"Marmite" Carrick has established himself as one of the first names on SAF's teamsheet. He's been a consistent performer for United this season, and has been rewarded with two goals within a month. Love him or hate him, he'll be starting on Sunday.

CM: Paul Scholes

With Anderson doubtful and Cleverley still nowhere to be seen, Scholes is likely to partner Carrick in the centre of the midfield. The United legend grabbed himself a goal against Bolton and seems to be getting back into his groove.

Scholes sitting back in the midfield can offer Carrick the chance to push up a little, and hopefully we'll bear witness to a long passing clinic courtesy of the Ginger Prince. Expect 60 minutes at most.

LM: Nani

On a good day, he'll make Johan Djourou wish he hadn't got out of bed in the morning. Nani's got a real challenge from Valencia for the title of best winger in the United squad at the moment; a good couple of games could change all that. When he wants to be, he's still one of the best wingers in the world.

ST: Wayne Rooney

Not been in great form recently, but I still can't see SAF dropping his prized asset. He got a hat-trick in the 8-2 demolition, and the fans would love to see the same again. He's missed his last two penalties, so if the opportunity arises it should be offered elsewhere—star striker or not. 

ST: Javier Hernandez

With Danny Welbeck injured last weekend, SAF has no need to risk him. Expect Chicarito to return to the first team, and I'd even back him to break his goal duck.

Bench: Lindegaard, Evans, Fryers, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Welbeck