Why Manchester United will be without two key players for Arsenal clash on Wednesday

Arsenal received a boost on Sunday without even kicking a ball.

Just 24 hours on from a resounding 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, a result which put Arsenal second, the Gunners were handed another positive ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	13	7	4	2	26	14	12	25

Ruben Amorim watched his side tear Everton apart by a 4-0 scoreline on his first Premier League outing at Old Trafford, although there were some blots on the copybook as the Portuguese tactician lost two key men for Wednesday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United lose Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez for Arsenal clash

While it was a hugely positive afternoon for the Red Devils against Everton, it did see both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez receive yellow cards from John Brooks.

As a result, both the England international and the Argentina international are suspended for Wednesday’s visit to north London – as it was a fifth booking of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign for each of them.

Players who receive a total of five yellow cards in their first 19 matches of a Premier League season will be given a one-match suspension.

Of course, it is always in bad taste to celebrate when a rival side lose a key man to injury, but on this occasion, Arsenal fans can feel free to celebrate given the fact Mainoo and Martinez – who Arsenal wanted – are the only ones to blame for their upcoming absence due to their ill discipline.

Who Ruben Amorim could turn to as replacements

The likes of Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount all received some minutes off the bench against Everton, and we believe the trio will be under consideration for a start on Wednesday.

In our view, Shaw – who Erik ten Hag overused – is likely to come straight in to start on the left of Amorim’s back three, which is where Martinez started against Everton.

That leaves a bit of a selection headache in midfield for the 39-year-old between Mount and Ugarte, although we believe the latter could receive the nod, as he is more of a sitting No.8 style midfielder, whereas the England international is typically an attacking midfielder.