(4-3-3) Šeško and Baleba Debut: Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Arsenal – As Benjamin Šeško Vows to Avenge United’s Previous Defeats to the Gunners
As the Premier League returns with blockbuster clashes, few fixtures command attention quite like Arsenal vs Manchester United. Two traditional giants with renewed ambitions, evolving squads, and tactical minds at the helm. But as United travel to the Emirates this weekend, they do so not just with hopes—but with a score to settle.
Their last visits to North London ended in pain, including a dramatic 3–1 loss last season. This time, things are different. There’s a new energy, new faces—and a debuting duo in Benjamin Šeško and Carlos Baleba, both of whom are expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Manager Rúben Amorim has signaled a shift, both tactically and mentally, and it begins with a 4-3-3 formation built to fight fire with fire.
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🔥 Šeško’s Fighting Words: “Time to Set the Record Straight”
Benjamin Šeško, the towering Slovenian striker signed from RB Leipzig, is not shy about the challenge. In a recent interview, the 21-year-old made headlines:
> “I’ve seen the highlights from our losses to Arsenal, and I could feel the frustration from the fans and players. I’m here to help change that. It’s time to set the record straight.”
Šeško is expected to lead the line on Sunday, making his competitive debut in one of the most high-pressure fixtures imaginable. His combination of physicality, intelligence, and finishing gives United something they’ve lacked in recent big games—a true focal point.
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🧠 Amorim’s 4-3-3: Flexibility Meets Firepower
Amorim has quickly begun reshaping United’s tactical identity. Moving away from the 4-2-3-1 used under previous regimes, the Portuguese coach is turning to a fluid 4-3-3 system that emphasizes:
Vertical progression through midfield
High pressing from the front line
Ball retention under pressure
Quick switches of play to stretch the opposition
This formation plays to the strengths of debutant Carlos Baleba, the midfield dynamo signed from Lille. At just 20, he’s drawn comparisons to Yaya Touré for his engine, ball-carrying ability, and defensive instincts.
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✅ Predicted Starting XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3)
Here’s the likely lineup Rúben Amorim will deploy, with three key talking points: Šeško’s debut, Baleba’s inclusion, and a bold midfield setup.
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🧤 GK – André Onana
Despite a mixed first season, Onana remains Amorim’s first-choice keeper. His ball-playing ability is vital when United build from the back against Arsenal’s high press.
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🛡️ DEFENDERS
RB – Diogo Dalot
Amorim values his versatility and attacking support. Dalot may also invert into midfield when in possession to counter Arsenal’s pressing lanes.
CB – Raphaël Varane
Veteran experience is crucial here. Varane will marshal the line, especially in 1v1 duels against the likes of Gabriel Jesus or Gyökeres.
CB – Lisandro Martínez
Fully fit and fired up. His aggressive style and passing range are essential to Amorim’s press-breaking transitions.
LB – Luke Shaw
Shaw’s overlapping runs and crossing ability give United width. He’ll need to be alert defensively to track Bukayo Saka.
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⚙️ MIDFIELDERS
CDM – Carlos Baleba (Debut)
The Cameroonian starlet gets his first start. With Casemiro still managing fitness levels, Baleba will play as the anchor—destroying play and starting transitions.
RCM – Bruno Fernandes (Captain)
In a slightly deeper role, Bruno can dictate tempo and press the opposition. Expect him to make late runs into the box.
LCM – Kobbie Mainoo
The breakout star keeps his place. His composure, intelligence, and link-up play are beyond his years. He’s becoming undroppable.
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⚔️ FORWARDS
RW – Bryan Mbeumo
After impressing in pre-season, Mbeumo is set to make his first Premier League start for United. His pace and pressing can unsettle Arsenal’s Zinchenko or Tomiyasu.
LW – Alejandro Garnacho
A natural threat in transition, Garnacho’s ability to run at defenders is essential for United’s counterattacking threat.
ST – Benjamin Šeško (Debut)
All eyes on him. Šeško offers height, hold-up play, and the ability to finish in tight spaces. He’ll be tasked with occupying both of Arsenal’s centre-backs—and finishing any half-chances that come his way.
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🔄 Substitutes to Watch
Casemiro – Expected to return to the bench and possibly replace Baleba in the second half.
Rasmus Højlund – May come on if Šeško tires or if United need two up front late on.
Mason Mount – Offers energy and pressing from midfield.
Antony – A potential super sub on the right wing.
Wan-Bissaka – Defensive stability if United are protecting a lead.
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⚔️ Key Battles to Watch
Šeško vs William Saliba & Gabriel
Šeško’s debut could be defined by how well he handles Arsenal’s aggressive centre-back duo. If he can pin them back or pull one out of position, space opens for Fernandes and Garnacho.
Baleba vs Ødegaard
The 20-year-old will have to keep one of the Premier League’s most intelligent playmakers in check. His discipline and positioning will be under the microscope.
Garnacho vs Ben White
Garnacho’s pace can expose White, especially in transition. If Shaw overlaps well, they could overload the right flank.
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🧠 Amorim’s Mind Games?
Interestingly, Rúben Amorim has been tight-lipped about the final lineup in his pre-match pressers. While he praised Šeško and Baleba, he also hinted at “surprises” for Arsenal’s setup.
There are whispers that United could switch to a 3-4-3 in possession, with Dalot inverting and Shaw pushing high. Whether that’s a smokescreen or part of the plan remains to be seen.
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⚡ Fans React: A New Era Begins
The fanbase is buzzing with excitement and nervous anticipation.
“Šeško and Baleba both starting? This is bold and brilliant,” wrote one supporter on X.
“Finally, a United team that looks built to compete—not just survive,” said another.
There’s a growing belief that Amorim is constructing a side with both identity and intent—a squad ready to restore the club’s long-lost dominance.
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🏁 Final Thoughts
As Manchester United prepare for war at the Emirates, all eyes will be on two debutants who represent the future of the club. Šeško, with his goalscoring hunger, and Baleba, with his midfield grit and intelligence, symbolize the evolution of Rúben Amorim’s project.
More than just three points are at stake. It’s about momentum, confidence, and redemption.
The defeats of the past still sting—but with a fearless manager and new blood in the squad, this United side may just be ready to return the favor.
Let the battle begin.
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