Arsenal must bounce back from their miserable UEFA Champions League defeat to Olympiacos when they host league leaders Manchester United in a crunch clash at the Emirates this Sunday afternoon. The Gunners slumped to a 3-2 defeat to the Greek champions at home on Tuesday, leaving their European aspirations dangling by a thread, with back-to-back matches against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on the horizon.

Having beaten local rivals Tottenham 2-1 away from home, to progress through into the next round of the Capital One Cup, confidence was high going into Tuesday's European clash. But some poor defending and a David Ospina howler left the North Londoners still searching for their first point of this year's group phase.

Manchester Utd claimed their first points of their Champions League campaign, by edging out VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Juan Mata ran the show for Louis van Gaal’s side and spirits are understandably high in the red-half of Manchester.

United full of improvements across the park

The signing of Anthony Martial has completely reinvigorated what was a stuttering Utd side. He's given them a completely different dimension; his pace, directness and composure in front of goal has seen him net four goals in just six appearances in all competitions.

The biggest criticism of van Gaal’s Manchester Utd side last season was their lack of dynamism and creativity offensively. They appeared very one-paced and one-dimensional, but the acquisitions of Memphis Depay and Martial have added energy, exuberance and the unpredictability factor.

Defensively, United appear very solid thus far. David de Gea staying in Manchester is undoubtedly a major boost, because the performances of Sergio Romero had been entirely unconvincing. Matteo Darmian looks an extremely shrewd signing; whilst he’s gone under the radar somewhat, his performances have been very consistent.

Daley Blind has covered at CB thus far and he's performed excellently. Whilst he may not possess electric pace, his understanding and reading of the game is mightily impressive. However, Chris Smalling's transformation has been remarkable over the last 18 months. From being touted as a liability earlier in his career at the Theatre of Dreams, now he is arguably one of their most important players. He has been critical to their defensive improvement.

Gunners still pose viable threats

However, Arsenal can still pose a major threat to the visitors' backline. Leicester were completely torn apart by Mesut Özil, Alexis Sánchez and Theo Walcott at the King Power Stadium. Leicester adopted a surprisingly high line, allowing Alexis and Walcott ample space in behind the defence and they were ruthlessly punished for that.

With Luke Shaw absent due to his broken leg suffered against PSV Eindhoven, United’s back-four is not the quickest, which is something Arsène Wenger’s side will be desperate to exploit; particularly if Theo Walcott is given the nod to start ahead of Olivier Giroud.

Despite this, Laurent Koscielny's hamstring injury is a devastating blow for Wenger. The Frenchman has been superb this season and given United’s counter-attacking potential, his presence would have been pivotal. Per Mertesacker will deputise for Koscielny alongside Gabriel, making his return from his one-match suspension for improper conduct, following his controversial dismissal at Stamford Bridge.

Mertesacker is a top defender. You do not amass over 100 caps for Germany at centre-half by chance, but Martial and Depay could expose the German's lack of pace on the counter. Mertesacker's reading of the game is fantastic, but he will require Francis Coquelin and the rest of the Gunners to remain disciplined and avoid exposing him to such a dangerous situation.

It is likely to be a game of very fine margins. Arsenal have been too error-strewn against Utd in the recent past; they dominated the game at the Emirates last year, but were caught being over-zealous and were punished on the counter-attack, losing 2-1. If they find the correct balance, then Wenger’s men will have a great chance of victory.

Team news:

Arsène Wenger will be without his first-choice centre-half, as Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out with a hamstring strain, sustained in the 3-2 defeat during midweek. As a consequence, the Frenchman is expected to be ruled out of action for 2-3 weeks, but could return for Arsenal's next league fixture - away against Watford, after the international break.

Elsewhere, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are both unavailable for the Gunners. Wenger revealed both are carrying muscular problems. However, Francis Coquelin is expected to be fit, after the Frenchman completed 60 minutes in midweek.

Danny Welbeck (knee) won’t be able to face his former club, whilst Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Tomas Rosicky (knee) remain long-term absentees.

In more positive news, Gabriel Paulista will return from his one-match suspension to partner Per Mertesacker in Arsenal’s defence, whilst Petr Cech is expected to return to the starting line-up, after being rested against Olympiacos.

Michael Carrick is fit again and will be in Utd’s 18-man squad after sitting out their midweek Champions League win with, what was described as, a 'minor' injury.

However, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera, also absent on Wednesday, remains a doubt. With Luke Shaw ruled out through a broken leg, Darmian is expected to play at left-back, with Antonio Valencia deputising at right-back.

Statistics:

  • Arsenal have only won two of their last seven home games in the Premier League.
  • Manchester United are top of the table for the first time since May 2013; when Sir Alex Ferguson was still manager.
  • The Gunners have won just 2 of their last 10 meetings against Manchester Utd in all competitions.
  • Manchester Utd have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League this season, along with Tottenham.
  • Alexis Sanchez has scored four goals in his last two matches.

Arsène Wenger:

"At the moment it is tight and difficult to say who will dominate the championship. You can't come to a conclusion yet. The experience Van Gaal has in his career, it is no surprise Manchester United are doing well."

Louis van Gaal:

"We are happy but I think Arsenal can come back from a defeat. They have shown that a lot of times. Arsenal are technically and tactically the best team in the league. Nevertheless, they haven't won so much, so you have to look for that improvement with that team."

Predicted starting elevens:

Arsenal: Cech; Bellerín, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Özil, Ramsey, Alexis, Walcott.

Man United: de Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Rooney, Mata, Depay, Martial.

Verdict

After their defeat to Olympiacos, this is a very important match for Arsenal and Wenger himself. After their thumping win over Leicester, morale was high, but the inconsistency that has plagued their campaign thus far has led to many questioning their title credentials. A win over Louis van Gaal's high-flying Manchester Utd would certainly give the players belief that they can win these big games and challenge for the top honours.

Arsenal's big-game approach became far more pragmatic towards the end of last season, to great effect, but their recent Premier League record against Manchester United is poor. Arsenal must improve defensively; they cannot afford to be exposed on the counter-attack with Martial and Depay in the Red Devils ranks. They have the offensive weapons to hurt United, so they must maintain their defensive structure. It will ultimately be a contest decided on fine margins. If the Gunners can get their approach right, they have a fantastic chance to revitalise their campaign with three big points.