Manchester United seek response at Leeds as Arsenal face Forest challenge

Manchester United travel to Leeds United on Sunday under pressure to halt a troubling run of form, while Arsenal face a difficult test at Nottingham Forest as the Premier League’s leading contenders return to domestic action.

The four-match schedule also includes the M23 derby between Brighton and Crystal Palace, as well as Bournemouth’s meeting with Sunderland.

Leeds United v Manchester United 3pm

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United side will be looking for a response at Elland Road, where Leeds United will attempt to deepen their opponents’ current problems.

United need greater consistency, but the fixture carries added significance because of the intensity of the rivalry. Leeds will look to use their home support to unsettle the visitors and draw confidence from their previous victory over United.

The visitors are without Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, while Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw are doubts. Lisandro Martinez is available for selection despite being at the centre of controversy after strongly criticising the club’s hierarchy, specifically technical director Jason Wilcox, following the 2–0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid during the week.

Restoring defensive solidity and improving their attacking fluency will be among Carrick’s priorities. Leeds will see an opportunity to take advantage of any uncertainty in the United team.

Nottingham Forest v Arsenal 5.30pm

Arsenal head to the City Ground aiming to remain in contention near the top of the table, but Nottingham Forest have proved difficult opponents on home soil.

Mikel Arteta’s team arrive after a 3-0 Champions League win against Lille. However, Arsenal have failed to score on either of their last two visits to Forest, with both matches ending 0-0.

Martin Zubimendi could return from injury, although Piero Hincapie is expected to remain unavailable. Arsenal may need patience and precision to break through Forest’s resistance, while the hosts will look to exploit any defensive mistakes.

With the title race highly competitive, Arsenal will be aware that dropped points could prove costly.

Bournemouth v Sunderland 3pm

Bournemouth welcome Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium, with both clubs seeking greater momentum in their league campaigns.

The hosts will hope to make home advantage count, although their preparations have been affected by injuries. Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Veljko Milosavljevic and Eli Junior Kroupi are among those unavailable.

Sunderland will be without Dan Ballard, Thomas Meunier and Romaine Mundle, while Wilson Isidor is doubtful. They will need to maintain their discipline against a Bournemouth side intent on imposing itself.

Brighton v Crystal Palace 3pm

Brighton and Crystal Palace meet in the M23 derby with both sides having plenty at stake.

Brighton have been in confident form, including a 3-0 victory over Arsenal before the international break and a 4-0 European win against Kauno Zalgiris. Fabian Hurzeler’s side will seek to carry that attacking momentum into the derby and strengthen their league position.

Palace will be looking for a response after their unbeaten European run ended with defeat by Lyon. Their 3-1 league victory over Nottingham Forest provides encouragement, although Brighton represent another demanding opponent.

Crystal Palace’s priority will be to disrupt Brighton’s rhythm in a match where the rivalry may outweigh recent form.