Today suddenly felt like digging into some serious football talk, you know? Woke up thinking about how Arsenal and United would stack up if everyone was fit and firing on all cylinders. Grabbed my notebook – yeah, old school pen and paper – sat down at the desk in my bedroom, and just started scribbling names.
Starting With the Gunners
Figured Arsenal first since they’ve looked sharper lately. Raya’s gotta be in goal now, no question. For the backline, pure muscle: White at right-back, then Saliba alongside Gabriel in the middle – that partnership is solid bedrock. Timber on the left if he’s fit? Man, I hope so. If not, Zinchenko slots in fine.
Midfield practically picks itself right now. Rice holding things down? Essential. Then Odegaard pulling strings and Havertz doing that box-to-box hustle. Still think about Partey sometimes, but right now, Rice is the guy. Up top? No-brainer: Saka buzzing on the right, Trossard causing havoc on the left (gotta be him over Martinelli just for that killer edge lately), and Haaland-killer Kai Havertz… wait no! Brain fart! Jesus leading the line, obviously. Havertz is already in midfield! My pen kept drying out while juggling this.
Tackling the Red Devils
United? Trickier puzzle. Onana in goal, let’s move past that debate already. Defense felt messy. Dalot right-back seems clear. But center-back… Martinez is a warrior, gotta be there. Partner? Maguire?! Really? But after last season… yeah, actually, Big Harry gets the nod beside him. Left-back? Shaw all day if he stops being made of glass.
Midfield headache time. Mainoo has to be there, right? Kid’s different. Holding role, I think. Then the other two… Bruno does Bruno things, even when it’s maddening. Casemiro next to him for experience? Felt rough leaving Eriksen out, but went with muscle. Attack was weirdly easier. Garnacho left wing, pace for days. Rashford right? Or is he better left? Put him right for now. Hojlund up top, hungry after that awful injury.
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Arsenal Strongest XI:
- Raya
- White – Saliba – Gabriel – Timber/Zinchenko
- Saka – Odegaard – Rice – Trossard
- Havertz
- Jesus
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Man United Strongest XI:
- Onana
- Dalot – Maguire – Martinez – Shaw
- Mainoo – Casemiro
- Rashford – Bruno – Garnacho
- Hojlund
Felt Rough Honestly
Looking back at both lists? Arsenal’s side just feels… tighter, you know? Like the pieces know their spots. United’s lineup? Still feels patchwork. That defense especially. Martinez is class, but relying on Maguire and Shaw staying fit? Big ask. And Bruno seems kinda tired lately, dunno. Rashford on the right feels forced.
My biggest struggle? Honestly, United’s attack beyond Hojlund. Antony? He’s still learning English… or football. Mount? Injured again, probably. Amad? Not quite there yet. Makes picking Rashford and Garnacho almost automatic, even if it’s not perfect. Arsenal? Debates on Trossard vs Martinelli and Havertz’s exact role exist, but the talent is undeniable. Still think my lineups are maybe 60% right, but football changes fast, eh?
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