Arsenal host Man United, Leicester battle Villa as Ericsson returns to Tottenham

Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP)

Arsenal went on an unexpected tear against Chelsea midweek, making a mockery of their iffy form by battering the Blues 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Can Arteta’s side build on that fine victory with a strong showing against Man United in today’s lunchtime kick-off?

The Red Devils have lost their last three away games, United coach Ralf Rangnick admitting the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this week was “humiliating”. Since then, the club have confirmed Erik Ten Hag will take over as manager in the summer.

In the meantime, though, can United claw back a bit of dignity with a good finish to the season – and perhaps even earn that fabled fourth spot, for a place in the Champions League next season?

The Gunners are eyeing that same reward – so who comes out on top in this tussle?

Arsenal always seem capable of a pratfall even when apparently making decent progress. But at least they’ve shown a willingness to fight that the current United side rarely demonstrate.

With the victory against Chelsea restoring confidence, this has to be a great opportunity for Arsenal to move one step closer to a Champions League return.

At the King Power, Leicester are unbeaten in their last five appearances, while Villa are on a run of four straight defeats. Last time out, Steven Gerrard’s team were beaten 4-0 at home by Tottenham. Can the Liverpool icon bounce back against a team managed by his former coach Brendan Rodgers?

Leicester have conceded in each of their last five matches, and Villa have scored in their last two away defeats. And given Villa’s iffy form in the last few weeks, it seems fair to assume a home win.

At the Etihad, Manchester City will host Watford in their quest to