Arsenal vs Manchester United: Three Key Battles To Look Forward To

Barely a decade ago, games between Arsenal and Manchester United were affairs that went onto decide the destiny of the title. Chelsea initially broke through the pair of them and more recently Manchester City have as well. So far this season, Chelsea’s imperious start has meant that the clash between the Gunners and the Red Devils is one that is more likely to decide who has the upper hand in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season.

When United come out to play against the Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday, victory for them will mean that they leapfrog the hosts and move into the top four if other results go their way. For Arsene Wenger’s men, a win would mean a first victory over the Red Devils in their last seven attempts and also extend their unbeaten run at home to 24 League games. With both sides plagued with injury, these three key battles will decide which way the game goes.

Wayne Rooney vs Mathieu Flamini

If there is one United player who will be relishing the prospect of playing against the Gunners, it will be Wayne Rooney. The Englishman will be coming to this game on the back of a international break that saw him take sole-custody of third-place on the list of England’s leading goal scorers. That coupled with his record against the Gunners, against whom he has scored 10 times in the Premier League, the most by any player means that the 29-year-old will be looking to inflict another defeat on the Gunners.

And the man tasked with the responsibility of marking him will be Mathieu Flamini. The Frenchman has so far looked lacklustre this season and will need to be on his A-game if he is to get the better of Rooney. If he doesn’t then given United’s attacking prowess, there is a very good chance that Arsenal’s defence will be ripped apart on Saturday.

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Alexis Sanchez vs whoever is fit to play in United’s central defence

Even Wenger couldn’t have expected Sanchez to have the impact that he has had on Arsenal. The Chilean attacker has scored 12 goals in his last 14 games for the Gunners and has opened the scoring five times in the League this season-the most of any player. The 25-year-old has single-handedly taken control of the attack and has brought goals, goals and some more goals.

Manchester United’s defensive crisis was worsened in the international break when Daley Blind became the 12th United player to be out injured. All of which means that Chris Smalling is likely to take his place alongside 19-year-old Paddy McNair in central defence. The duo who haven’t really played together will have to forge an understanding quickly if they are to stop Arsenal and especially Alexis Sanchez.

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Danny Welbeck vs Robin Van Persie

Saturday’s clash sees two strikers take on their former clubs. While Robin Van Persie will be keen to show Arsenal fans that he made the right call, Danny Welbeck will also be looking to do the same and show Van Gaal that he made a mistake in selling him. While those two aren’t going to go against each other in the game, whichever striker has the better game will tilt the balance in his side’s favour.

Although the Dutchman has struggled to find his feet in front of goal this season, his performances over the past few weeks have shown that it is only a matter of time before he gets back to his scoring ways. Danny Welbeck on the other hand will be looking to shake off a knock he took on England duty and continue his goal scoring start as a Gunner which has already seen him score half as many goals as he did in the whole of last season.