Photo courtesy Goal.com UK WB'S MATCH OF THE WEEK: MAN UTD VS ARSENAL In recent years the vibe or the importance of this game has dwindl...
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| Photo courtesy Goal.com UK |
WB'S MATCH OF THE WEEK: MAN UTD VS ARSENAL
In recent years the vibe or the importance of this game has dwindled but everything has changed this year, while it might not be a title decider it is definitely a statement game. Arsenal lead Man Utd with 8 points and a win at Old Trafford would earn them the respect that had eluded them even with their blistering form and the Red Devils picking up a win would put them back into the picture of title contenders.
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| Manchester United totally humiliated the Gunners two seasons ago |
In the last nine games played between both sides, Manchester United have just lost once and David Moyes would be hoping to keep it that way with a win while Arsenal fans would be praying for the same luck that has seen them win the league on two of the three occasions they have collected maximum points at Old Trafford.
Arsene Wenger might call facing a different manager at OT 'strange' but would be happier to face the other Scottish with the Gunners' boss just losing to David Moyes three times.
KEY MEN
His first Premier League goal came against Arsenal, so did his first for Man Utd, his 100th, and 150th that should Wayne Rooney score against Arsenal in this coming fixture would be the first player, according to Optajoe, to score 50 goals on a Sunday.
The Liverpool born striker has suggested Arsenal must hate the sight of him and that is true, no side has conceded more of Rooney's goals than Arsenal with 10.
With Flamini expected to be back into the side for the Gunners, Rooney might just be the creative player once again for Moyes in the no. 10 role and add to the 99 chances created by Moyes' men this season, the English international has created 15 scoring chances with 6 assists in his 14 appearances for the Red Devils this season and would be definitely be instrumental in the midfield battle.
Was suggested by WB's other key man, Sir Alex Ferguson did not want him, and if recent rumors are to be true David Moyes didn't want him either but Sunday's game gives Mesut Ozil the chance to prove that both men were wrong not to go after him.
The German international is in red hot form and has been instrumental to Arsenal's rise since his deadline day transfer. The midfielder has scored 2 goals, laid on 4 assists, and created an amazing 20 scoring chances and would have lot of room at United's ground to show his brilliance, and with a shot accuracy of about 90% is definitely an attacking threat but so much is for the attack that his priorities might be his defensive duties against the Red Devils and would need to increase his 49% of duels won against David Moyes' wide wingers as Wenger without Chamberlain and Walcott have played a little more narrow this season and would need to track back more often to help his covering full back.
WB'S Match of the Weekend Summary
While their win against Borussia Dortmund highlighted the characteristics of could-be champions, Arsenal's response to going a goal down first has been poor as all their defeats this season have come from conceding the first goal in the game and should Man Utd score first might be a test of the Gunners resilience and in needing two goals or more to win if such event occurs, the Gunners would be looking to score more than a single goal at Old Trafford for the second time, the first coming in the, not quickly forgotten, 8-2 hammering.
Arsenal have scored in all their ten league games this season and would be hoping to better the performance from last season with their first shot on target coming in the 92nd minute.
This match might not have the physicality or tense nature of the 03 and 04 season but has definitely gotten the appeal back that has been lost in recent years. Arsenal picking up a win at Old Trafford would not be too far off but if recent history is anything to go by, I would just stick my head up and say Man United 2 Arsenal 1.
Recent form
Manchester United: LLWDWW
Arsenal: WWDWWW
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
WB says: 2-1
