Manchester United vs Arsenal
Nov 10, 2013 at 4.10pm (UK)
Old Trafford
This Sunday just isn’t any Sunday. It’s the Sunday of Sunday’s as Manchester United gear up and get ready to play host to Arsène Wenger and his brilliantly seasoned Arsenal side at Old Trafford. A jam-packed crowd at the stadium, local bars or even anyone with an LED TV is to be expected. Both teams will be looking to go all out to snatch up those precious 3 points which could skyrocket their luck for the rest of the season.
Arsenal, COYG
With 8 wins and 25 points, the Gunners are well placed at the top of the table and look forward to extend their lead in their pursuit of winning the Premier League title after a silent spell of 10 years. Punishing Liverpool in their 2-0 win at home which left Suarez and Sturridge gasping for breath; as well as gaining immense confidence after winning their Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund is a plus point for tomorrow’s clash. Especially it being an away game and the ferocity with which the Dortmund fans showcased, Arsenal managed to pull through with an amazing goal by Aaron Ramsey, the man who has shown a stellar string of displays this season thus far.
To top it all off, Mesut Özil is adding to all the glamour and is providing the much needed assists week in, week out, taking much of the pressure of Arteta and Rosicky. The Ramsey- Özil duo seems to get the job done and with the added defensive stability with Mertesacker and Koscielny looking sturdy in their stand and Szczesny performing as a top-class goalkeeper. A very formidable side indeed to take the game and glory all the way back home.
GGMU: Gloomy Gloomy Manchester United
On the other struggling hand, the Red Devils just can’t seem to find the right tune to their game. An exciting match against Fulham was just the booster they needed, which apparently didn’t follow through in the following game against Real Sociedad. A major factor leading to the up-and-down graph of United is the constant change in the squad. There isn’t a point where ‘stable team chemistry’ is being achieved. Plus, focus on the central midfield has been given least preference, which ultimately hasn’t got United up the field, and hugely left a gap for the opponents to get past as quick as possible.
A flurry of injury woes to star striker Robin Van Persie and others just seem to tumble top the list. With just 17 points on the board, David Moyes will have to put his best side forward and get the points flowing on the table and consequently end Arsenal’s winning run. Otherwise, we might see an regular Arsenal-like 4th place finish this year.
Tactically Speaking
Arsenal will go ahead with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. After showcasing their skill up against Dortmund who tried to counter attack which in the past has affected Arsenal, has been kicked out of the window. They illustrated that their attack is paired up with a great defence which stepped up to a greater level from last season.
Against United, targeting the huge gap in the central midfield will be the key. Cazorla and Özil will run through the pace of United’s defence which is still in utter surprising capability at the moment. Other than De Gea and Evra, the entire right to central defence is vulnerable. Rafael if picked for the game will continue on the consistent right back role he plays so well. The 4-4-2 formation should work out with Van Persie being brought back into contention after the much needed rest from the Real Sociedad game. Valencia has been shaky but overall can maintain his place and continue with the support up front alongside Persie.
Team News:
Arsenal: A late fitness test will determine if Jack Wilshere will play having sustained an ankle injury. Flamini is also slated to return tomorrow as Wenger will look at his options very closely before making any final decision.
Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanogo are still ruled out with no possible upcoming return date. Nevertheless, Arsenal has a great side and is rearing to go and return home completing a ‘Perfect week’ as Szczesny said in an interview on Arsenal.com
Manchester United: Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick and Rafael might be back in United’s squad depending on a late fitness test. Van Persie will still have to take those pre-match injections for the prolonged game injury that he currently has. Moyes will see to it that the midfield is monitored first and can bring back the Counter-Style attacking that once ruled the League during Ferguson’s era.
Possible starting lineups
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Janzuaj; Rooney, Van Persie
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud
Match Facts
- Manchester United have lost only one of their last nine encounters with Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League (W6 D2).
- Robin van Persie has scored in the last four Barclays Premier League encounters between these two sides (two for each club).
- Arsenal are the only side to have scored in all 10 of their Barclays Premier League games this season.
- Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in their last PL game at Old Trafford until the 92nd minute (Nov 2012, ended game with two).
- The last time that Arsenal failed to have a shot on target in a PL game was on 21st September 2003, also against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
- No side has won more points from losing positions than Manchester United in the Premier League this season (6). In 2012-13, United won 29 points from losing positions – a league-high
- Arsenal have won only two of their last 16 Premier League games played in the late slot on Sundays (excludes final day games).
Stats complied from Yahoo Sport
Prediction
Arsenal seem to be the favorites to win the game but time and again Manchester United has proven others wrong. History has also seen Arsenal never win against the reigning champions in the past 8 years. An embarrassing 8-2 loss to United will not be forgotten as the players enter the pitch tomorrow.
Anything can happen. One team playing for the sheer enjoyment of football and the other striving to attain that position. I am going for a 1-1 draw.
Also read the predicted line-ups for Manchester United and Arsenal.