Manchester United manager Ralph Rangnick is reportedly set to drop centre-back Harry Maguire from the starting XI for the Red Devils trip to Arsenal this afternoon. It is another big clash in the race for fourth place in the Premier League and the German is set to make a big decision.
Arsenal are looking to climb back into the top-four with a win against the struggling Premier League giants. A 4-2 win against Chelsea in midweek drew them level on points with Tottenham and another big win against a 'big six' opponent would not do their chances or confidence any harm at all.
But speaking ahead of the game, Arteta remained respectful of their opponents, despite their recent 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool in midweek. With United confirming the arrival of Erik ten Hag from next season, there could be a number of players with a point to prove.
"I'm not here to assess anybody's performance," Arteta said of United's defeat to Liverpool in his pre-match press conference. "I watched the game, it was an exceptional game. The first half, especially the way Liverpool played, was outstanding. We all know how difficult it is to go to Anfield. They have really good moments in the season, they have exceptional players, and they have the ability to beat any team."
One key change looks set to be made in the United defence, however, with Maguire dropping out of the side. The England international has been the subject of widespread criticism this season and after a bomb threat was called into his house this week, the club see it as the ideal time to give the 29-year-old a break, according to The Athletic. He is still expected to travel with the team, however.
Cheshire police confirmed they had been “called to reports of a bomb threat at an address in the Wilmslow area. No evacuations took place, but as a precautionary measure a police explosives dog has attended the address this afternoon, Thursday, 21 April, to conduct a search of the gardens and surrounding area,” they said in a statement.
