If van Gaal does persist on playing van Persie, then I'd like to see us revert to the 4-4-2 diamond. It's the only logical solution when accommodating him, as it means Rooney is allowed to play in his best position upfront and is at worst, a support striker, and we can still maintain some solidity in midfield with plenty of numbers.
My impromptu starting eleven, whilst begrudgingly selecting van Persie (as it's painfully obvious he will start) would be as follows;
de Gea
Valencia - Smalling - McNair - Shaw
Carrick
Fellaini - di Maria
Herrera
van Persie - Rooney (c)
Subs: Lindegaard, Blackett, Fletcher, Young, Januzaj, Mata, Wilson
Some of the key points from that team which could prove decisive in the outcome of the game.
- Rooney and di Maria (arguably our two best outfield players) are restored to their most effective and favoured positions. The former needs to be in as close proximity to the goal as possible and in midfield in recent games he has been far too deep where he cannot influence proceedings well enough, while the latter has disappointed in every game he's played out wide and loses a lot of his dynamism if he can't run into central areas as much and becomes all too predictable.
- Herrera playing at #10 opposed to Mata. Possibly a bit harsh on Mata that Herrera's starting place comes at his expense following his winning goal, but Mata lacks the industry and defensive work that Herrera can provide in abundance and he might be able to showcase his pressing from the front to greater effect in a more advance position. We can't play ADM there, as we don't want his back to goal and Fellaini is not a #10. Herrera probably won't be sublime at playing between the lines, but I certainly think's he's the most suitable player for a game against Arsenal, aside from Rooney.
- Smalling immediately back into the side on his return from suspension. Okay, our hand is forced with this one, but I really don't expect him to make costly errors like against City. That was his first ever red card throughout his career and he has received just seven yellows in his tenure here - including one against City. I expect him to rise to the challenge, as he is our best centre back (among admittedly weak competition) and the perfect player to tackle Welbeck pace. Subduing Welbeck obviously doesn't determine the result, as Sanchez is the main dangerman, but if Smalling gets the better of him, Arsenal are probably depending on Sanchez to pull something out of the bag like he has done so often this season.