English Premier League Preview: Manchester United Vs Arsenal
One of the biggest matches of the English Premier League, when North would visit the South, would be played on Monday. Arsenal would be travelling to Old Trafford to face their rivals Manchester United in a match that would also take the winner to the top of English Premier League table. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, the managers for Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, are the oldest and the most respected managers in EPL, while their rivalry makes the encounter a worthwhile moment.
As Arsenal prepares for a trip to Old Trafford, the odds do not favour a victory for them. In the last eight encounters against United, Arsenal has managed to win only one game. Now, United is going on an unbeaten run of 20 matches in EPL, making it more difficult for Arsenal. Also, United is the team with the best home record this season, scoring most of their goals at Old Trafford as well.
However, despite all the odds playing against Arsenal, Wenger’s men cannot be written off quite easily. Arsenal has shown the best away record in the Premier League with most of their goals coming away from home. Therefore, the match is going to be an interesting affair between two of the best teams in England, with a possibility of a goal-galore.
The major player for Manchester United this season is Dimitar Berbatov who has scored 11 goals so far. On the other hand, Arsenal’s main player is Samir Nasri who has scored 8 goals in the league. However, between these two players, Samir Nasri is a more dangerous and more consistent player while Berbatov has had 'his days'.
The important thing for Manchester United is having both Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney playing upfront. With Rooney on the pitch, Berbatov plays a much better game because of a better understanding with the English striker. Therefore, 10 of the goals scored by Berbatov came when Rooney was playing alongside him, including a hat-trick against Liverpool and a five goal feat against Blackburn. Also, Rooney seems to be full of energy and enthusiasm, which would make him a real threat, unlike the matches at the start of this season.
Despite the presence of these two players in Manchester United, the main responsibility would be left to Nani. The Manchester United winger has scored and assisted a lot of goals and is quickly filling the role of a playmaker in his team. Therefore, he would be the most dangerous player which would make Gael Clichy the most important player for Arsenal. The full-back has returned from injury at a great time for Arsenal and he would be kept extremely busy in the match.
Arsenal is facing quite a few problems related to injury and players’ performance. The Gunners’ captain Cesc Fabregas and the centre-half Thomas Vermaelen, both would be unavailable for the match because of injuries. Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou also seem doubtfull for the match, which would make it difficult for Arsenal in the defence. This would put a lot of pressure on Alex Song, who plays as the defensive midfielder acting as a guard in front of the defenders. Song has transformed into a great player this season and he would be a key to the midfield battle.
There cannot be one clear winner in the match as both teams have shown some poor results in the season. There are quite a few young players who would be playing from both sides, but Arsenal’s youngsters would clearly have the edge. However, considering the fact that Manchester United has been tremendous in their home matches, it would be extremely difficult for Arsenal to win at Old Trafford.
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