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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Nathan Bliss

Manchester United vs Arsenal simulated in FIFA 20 ahead of Premier League fixture

Old Trafford hosts one of the Premier League's biggest and most heated rivalries on Monday evening, as Manchester United take on Arsenal.

United's 2019/20 campaign hasn't got off to a great start, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side sit in 11th place in the league table, after winning eight points from their opening six matches.

Arsenal have fared slightly better, sitting in 8th place after winning 11 points from their opening six matches, but there is a bit of unrest developing around Unai Emery's recent tactics.

But, with United looking likely to be without the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw for tonight's match, how will they get on against the Gunners?

And, what will the final score be?

We used FIFA 20 to predict the outcome of Manchester United vs Arsenal - just for a bit of fun. 

Manchester United vs Arsenal score predicted using FIFA 20

To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself, to give us a unique prediction.

The AI difficulty was set to world class, with the line-up updated with the latest transfers, injuries and suspensions.

We predict that Manchester United will set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the line-up as follows: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; McTominay, Fred, Pogba; Lingard, James, Greenwood.

We predict Arsenal will set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the line-up as follows: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Sokratis, Tierney; Torreira, Xhaka, Guendouzi; Pepe, Aubameyang, Saka.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

The first-half was a very even game in terms of possession, with both teams having spells in control of the ball, but there was little in terms of goalmouth action.

There were speculative efforts from range, with Greenwood, Xhaka and Pepe amongst the players trying their luck, but none really threatened.

But, in the 24th minute, the game's first real chance came, but it wasn't taken.

Pepe showed great skill to get past Young and jink past Maguire, who then unleashed a shot which De Gea did well to parry.

But, the Spaniard could only push the ball into the path of Aubameyang, who had the goal at his mercy, but he couldn't sort his feet out and he sliced his effort wide from just a few yards out.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

An incredible miss, and he knew it.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

In the second-half, the away side took control of the game and were looking dangerous going forward, but United were holding firm defensively and had a threat of their own on the counter-attack, with Lingard, James and Greenwood ready to pounce.

However, despite this fixture looking an exciting one on paper, it was far from it, at least in our simulation, as neither side really did enough to win the game.

But, the game could have been so different, if not for Aubameyang's miss in the first-half.

Full-time score: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

Here are the full-time match stats.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

Arsenal had more possession and shots overall, with United not having a great day in front of goal.

Paul Pogba was United's best player on the day, providing composure and calmness on the ball, whilst also being solid defensively.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

But, Jesse Lingard was not at his best, often isolated on the right wing.

(EA SPORTS FIFA)

This FIFA 20 simulation predicts we could be in for a goalless draw at Old Trafford this evening, despite the game promising excitement and goals.

Would you be happy with this result?

       
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