Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United this Sunday in what would certainly be an enthralling contest between two sides who have always had a fiery history between them. Although with David Moyes at the helm, the rivalry will remain the same and both teams will give their very best. The Gunners after 10 game weeks are at the top of the table five points clear of second placed Chelsea and 8 points above Manchester United. Arsenal in their current form look formidable to pick up all three points and widen the gap to as much as 11 points but it won’t be an easy task.
Although United have had a poor start to the season, the Rooney + Van Persie combination might just be enough to cause a threat. The game will definitely be won and lost in the midfield and the team which scores first will have the advantage. There are plenty of positives for the Gunners to take into this game, after their heroic performance against Borussia Dortmund where they managed to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Lewandowski, Rues and Mkhitaryan.
As far as the team news is concerned, Arsenal will be buoyed by the return of midfield enforcer Mathieu Flamini but Jack Wilshere’s involvement in the game is doubtful. Talking to the press ahead of the game Arsene Wenger gave an update on the injury front.
on the team news…
Normally, Flamini will join us in the session this morning. Wilshere will join in as well, so we will see how they are after the session today.
on their chances of playing on Sunday…
Flamini, I am quite confident will be fully available. Wilshere, we will see how he responds to his inflammation of the ankle.
So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Manchester United:
Defence:
The Gunners defence is finally looking like one which has potentials to stop big teams from scoring. The back four looks well drilled for the first time in years. Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs should retain their starting berth hoping to stop Van Persie and Rooney.
Midfield:
Potentially an unchanged midfield from their last game would be ideal for the Gunners. While Arteta will keep his position as the holding midfielder, Ramsey given his outstanding run of games should continue to play alongside the Spaniard. Elsewhere, Ozil will take his customary No.10 role behind Olivier Giroud.
Attackers:
Giroud will continue to spearhead Arsenal’s attack while Santi Cazorla will continue to play on the left hand side. The problem for Wenger will be with Rosicky, who has now started three games on the trot. However, the Czech International will be a crucial member for the Gunner’s attacking play and Wenger will likely start him given Walcott and Podolski are yet to recover fully.
