Running the Gauntlet Part 2: Arsenal v Man United, Match Preview
A Battle of Epic Proportions
At the end of August the mild mannered Manc – Patrice Evra – he of the bigger ego than talent – declared it was a battle of “men vs boys.” He all but declared Arsenal’s title credentials over and Man United the best team in the league. It is hard to deny that United are a solid team, but in retrospect it is hard to deny that on that day Arsenal were clearly the better team for the entire match. This Sunday at the Emirates, the teams will play once again with Arsenal looking to show that the form they displayed at Old Trafford is true of their talent the only change they hope – the final score.
If Arsenal are going to show everyone they are for real and that they are in the title hunt for the remainder of the season, a win against Sir Alax Furgeson’s bunch is essential. Yes, Arsenal could draw and still run for the title. But a win against United, makes the case without a doubt. A win also should have carry over effect and keep the boys up for the match the following week against Chelsea. But before we can talk about Stamford Bridge – we have to look at this tie.
This fixture represents the 42nd time that Arsene Wenger and Furgeson have squared off against each other. Furgeson has won 16 and Arsene 14 with 11 draws in between. In their last 4 matches against Arsenal in all competitions, the Mancs have won 3. But in their last 4 league visits to the Gunners they have not won. Including all 3 at the Emriates.
United come into this match taking 13 points from their last 5 with Rooney scoring 7 goals in their match. However, they come to the Emirates without their defensive anchor Rio Ferdinand who is suspended for 4 matches after an elbowing incident against Hull City. Agains the big four United have not won any of their last 6 league away matches – losing 5 times.
Arsenal and United have each used their good form to take them – albeit briefly – to the summit of the EPL pile. The Gunners have a game in hand on United and will be looking to use this match to put some distance between themselves and the primary team from Manchster.
While the pairing of these two teams has died down in its furor in recent years this one looks to have all the flavours of Arsenal v United in the good years. In losing to United at Old Trafford, Wenger went on a directed rant at United for calling them – the anti-football team. His comments were more at the hacking nature of Paul Fletcher and frankly he has done little to make you think he is anything but what Wenger accuses him of.
Still the animosity between the two gaffers has given way to some sort of mutual admiration with Furgie amazed at the Gunners reamgergence and exorting any United fan who would sing the ugly paedophile chants at Wenger.
There will be power don’t you feel. The two teams are likley to serve up a thirller given everything that is online for the teams. It is a case of the league leading scorers taking on the current champions. It is an Arsenal squad that have owned the pitch at the Emirates this season going against a team that if you are sleeping even for a second will hurt you.
Arsenal look set to continue their “one in one out” policy in the trainers room. With Bendtner back for the attack Eduardo sits with a hamstring injury. With Song back for defensive dutis, Thomas Vermaelen is a possible scratch for the match with a calf injury. During the mid week match against Villa he took a shot and fears were that he had fractured hs fibula. Well, for the first time Arsenal had good injury news and he doesn’t have a broken fibula but he is still likely to miss the match.
Alexander Song and Emmanuel Eboue return just in time to strengthen the side. Also Nasri is full fit and having come on as a sub against Villa should likely start the match. The big change will be Arshavin back in the central role of the attack. Arsene thinking that the Russian is prime to break out for a match like this is going to make him the pinpoint of his attack. Given his ability it is likely he wont disappoint.
How the Match Should Play Out:
Again let’s cut right to it shall we – this is going to be a cracker contest. Something even nutrals should watch. Both teams will be hungry to attack each other and the tests will be on the defensive side. Arsenals defense should be fine even if Sol Campbell deputizes in place of the injured Vermaelen. The concern is the head to head match between Van der Sar and Almunia. Arsenal must get Van Der Sar moving and pressing his defensive cover early. Even though Vidic is back he is still suspect going back and forth between the pitch and the trainers table. Look for a game much like the first – Arsenal pressing the players and the ball and look for a Fabregas/Arshavin combo to break the Mancs heart.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas. This truly is match betweent he leagues two best in form players. Unfortunately in the previous match Cesc was not available to play having been injured two weeks prior on international duty. He is a the difference maker and will be essential to opening up the United defense.
United: Wayne Rooney. 7 Goals in 3 matches nuff said. He says its not a one man team – well with him being the primary scorer its hard to not see that right now.
Probable Starting XI:
Some slight changes possible
Injuries:
Arsenal: Diaby (calf) Djourou (knee) Eduardo (hamstring) Gibbs (foot) Merida (ankle) Van Persie (ankle) Vermaelen (leg)
United: Hargreaves (knee) O’Shea (thigh), Ferdinand (suspended)
Match Officials:
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant Referees: Dave Bryan & Bob Pollock
Fourth Offical: Mark Clattenburg
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: DWWDW
United: WWDWW
TV Viewing:
US: FSC 11:00AM
UK: Sky Sports 1600 in 3D
FEEDS:
Gameday Chat will be open – www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal 2
United 1
