Manchester United vs Arsenal
The clash for the Top spot in English Premier League is all set to kick off tomorrow morning at 1: 30 am (IST). The match winner will go directly to the top of the table. In case if Arsenal wins they would secure a 4 point lead over the Red Devils and incase if Red Devils maintains there successful run against Arsenal then they would go two point ahead of the gunners with a match in hand.
The real reason for the match to be so much anticipated is not just the battle for the top spot but because of the classic rivalry between the two clubs. It’s one of those matches in the world that not even being a derby the team has got so much rivalry among each other.
The wars of words are already started by both the teams. The United left back Patric Evra has stated Arsenal as a Training Centre and has called there lack of getting Silverware as ridiculous and to this Samir Nasri was very unhappy and said they deserve to win the title and are a real contenders. Wenger was also not happy with the way Evra stated and said that a big player is the one who respects there opponents. The red devil central midfielder Darren Fletcher opposed the statement of wenger that he is not a dirty player and is confident of proving Arsen Wengers statement wrong. The mind games have all begun and the time for the battle is very near.
Let’s see which side is stronger on papers:
Players to watch:
Manchester United:
Nani: The inform midfielder will be a key player in this match and his stunning form from the right wing would prove to be a real threat for Arsenals defense.
Rooney: The comeback of their last season maestro to the lineup would surely add some real strength to the squad and his performance in the last match against Valencia in Champions league must have boosted his confidence and would be a major cause of concern for Arsenals defense.
Arsenal:
Nasri: The best out of the French man is flowing this season. He has one of the pioneers behind the success of Arsenal till now this season. His goal scoring ability and excellent control and vision has led Arsenal to the top position.
Chamakh: The best signing in EPL is undoubtedly Chamakh he has secured his first place spot in the absence of Robin Van Persie and has even scored some wonderful goals and is always dangerous when comes to scoring goals by his head.
Players to miss:
Manchester United:
Antonio Valencia: The right winger who is out till February due to an ankle injury would have made a real difference for United , the combination Nani and Valencia from both the wings holds the potential to break the best defenders of the world.
Arsenal:
Thomas Vermaelen: The Centre back who is out from the squad due to an injury would have been a real boost for Arsenals young defense and vice versa could have created some major troubles for Red Devil’s Strikers.
Cesc Fabregas: The captain himself is likely to miss the match, but still the manger has stated that he will make a decision in the last moment and he also stated that there are very less chances for the skipper to play.
Past Meetings:
Manchester United holds the best home record so far this season and the visitor’s holds the best away record till now this season. So this would be another interesting thing to watch out. United are till now undefeated this season and the Gunners undoubtedly holds the potential to break this record.
This will be there 43rd head to head battle in any competitions under Ferguson and Wenger leadership. Ferguson holds a better record with 17 wins than that of 14 victories by Wenger and 11 matches ended up in a draw.
Red Devils holds a better record with wining four of their past 5 meeting and the one ended up in a draw. Arsenal has only 1 match among there last 10 visits to Old Trafford.
Possible Line Up:
Manchester United Possible starting XI: Formation – 4-5-1
Van der Sar; Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Anderson, Scholes, Fletcher, Nani, Giggs, Rooney.
Arsenal Possible starting XI: Formation – 4-5-1
Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Denilson, Nasri, Arshavin; Chamakh.
Conclusion:
Both the teams look very much evenly matched on papers and after all the mind games the team who does well on the pitch can only get the upper hand and no war of words can help them at that time.
Tags: Arsenal, Chamakh, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Manchester United, Nani, Nasri, Pre-Match Preview, Rooney, Sports
