The international break is finally done and Arsenal travel north to face one of their fiercest rivals in Manchester United on their return to Premier League action.
The Gunners have modest record at Old Trafford, winning just once in the league in their last 10 visits.
The London side’s record against Jose Mourinho is equally poor – they are yet to win against the Portuguese boss since he arrived in the Premier League way back in 2004.
If you take Arsenal’s shocking Old Trafford record out of the equation, they are favourites going into the game. Just two points off the top, they have the incentive to end the game at the pinnacle of the league.
Man Utd however, are labouring in 6th – six points behind Arsenal and potentially already out of the title race.
Onto the combined XI, as we look at how the individuals on either side match up to one another. Both teams have key players missing going into this game, meaning changes all over the pitch.
However, both teams have superb strength in depth. Arsenal are missing right back Hector Bellerin and midfield dynamo, Santi Cazorla, whilst United are without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the promising Eric Bailly for the clash.
With that in mind, let’s look at the combined XI!
GK - David De Gea
The Spaniard is arguably the best in the league in his position. Whilst his form this season has been up and down, the United stopper is an absolute match winner on his day and beats out Petr Cech.
RB - Antonio Valencia
With Arsenal without wonder kid Hector Bellerin, it has to be the United full back. Struggling with injury himself, but likely to make a comeback on Saturday, Valencia offers energy, pace and athleticism.
CB - Shkodran Mustafi
The German has made quite an impression early on in his first season with the Gunners. Skhodran will be looking to prove himself on the big occasion this weekend.
CB - Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract, and deservedly so. Laurent, who is now entering the twilight of his career, seems to be blossoming in his role as captain. Koscielny will be key to keeping any threat United have under wraps.
LB - Nacho Monreal
Nacho is the best option at left back for both sides, currently. Luke Shaw has been unable to tie down a starting place under Mourinho and after returning from injury, Nacho will be looking to recapture his best form on Saturday.
CDM - Granit Xhaka
Granit was trusted to start against Spurs a few weeks back and produced an excellent performance. With a fine passing range, excellent strength and a cool temperament (mostly), Granit gets in ahead of what Man Utd have to offer.
CM - Paul Pogba
Paul has undoubtably struggled to make an immediate impact in England, but given time, he will certainly deliver. The young Frenchman has a wealth of talents at his disposal and has a point to prove going into Saturday’s clash.
RW - Theo Walcott
Theo looked fairly out of sorts in England’s international games recently, but the forward seems to thrive in Arsenal’s system. Walcott is scoring goals and providing assists, whilst he has an eye for the big occasion.
CAM - Mesut Ozil
The talismanic figure has had a well deserved break during the international fixtures and goes up against his former manager, Jose Mourinho. The German has been in scintillating form of late and will want to prove any remaining doubters wrong this weekend.
LW - Juan Mata
Slightly out of position, but Juan deserved a place in the XI somewhere. The Spaniard has been at the heart of all things positive for United of late and has scored some memorable goals against the Gunners.
CF - Alexis Sanchez
After jogging off a hamstring tear and scoring two goals for Chile in the last week, Alexis obviously caps off the starting XI. Alexis also bagged two goals against United last year and Arsenal fans will be hoping that the diminutive forward will be on top of his game on Saturday.