English Premier League - Preview: Manchester United take on Arsenal
Manchester United are still to taste defeat in the league this campaign, a run dating back to April, but Arsenal will arguably be the toughest test of Red Devils’ new-found solidity. United, however, remain favourites to hang on to their record. If they
pass this test than there is another in waiting, a trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
A victory over rejuvenated Spurs and a goalless draw at Manchester City have been the highlights, but in truth United’s fixtures in the league have been relatively straightforward. Out of their 15 fixtures to date, nine have come against bottom ten sides,
including home meetings with the bottom three.
On the contrary, there is some encouragement, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov finally showed signs of cohesion upfront in the 7-1 annihilation of Rovers. Rooney particularly relishes occasions against Arsenal – the team he scored his first Premier League
goal against while at Everton. Last season, Rooney inspired United to a 3-1 win at the Emirates and also scored at Old Trafford in a 2-1 victory.
The England international is a good bet to score his first goal since his return from injury. The 25-year-old is eager to score from open play this season, while strike partner Berbatov relishes big games will look to show his ability. Ten of Dimitar Berbatov's
11 Premier League goals this season have been scored alongside Wayne Rooney.
Arsenal themselves hold the record of going a whole Premier League season unbeaten, and they will be looking to end their rivals’ run, just as United ended their's in the 50th match in 2004.
The Gunners have been in superb form away from the Emirates this season, winning five games, recording two draws and suffering just one defeat to Chelsea. Arsene Wenger’s men have taken points from tricky games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton
and Blackburn. Arsenal have picked up 17 points on the road this season, the best away record in the Premier League.
Arsenal are bookies' favourites to end United’s run and to win their first match at Old Trafford since 2006. The problem with Arsenal is their failure to close out matches, Arsenal have dropped points from winning positions on several occasions especially
against Spurs.
Patrice Evra, the United left-back has disparage Arsenal’s tenacity to win the title ahead of the showdown, and if Arsenal go ahead in the match expect a typically nervous performance from the Gunners’ defence. A good bet therefore is on Arsenal to be leading
at half time, with Manchester United coming back for a draw. A draw will suit both set of managers.
Man of the moment, Frenchman Samir Nasri, is in a fine run of form having scored 12 goals in 17 matches and scored twice on his first Arsenal appearance against United in 2008.
Team News
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will wait on Cesc Fabregas' fitness until the last minute, But conceded the Spaniard has only a small chance of facing United. Kieran Gibbs is sidelined with an ankle injury that he suffered in the mid-week, but Johan Djourou is
expected to return from a thigh injury.
Alex Ferguson has announced that England captain Rio Ferdinand and veteran midfield player Paul Scholes have recovered from hamstring and groin problems respectively. Both are expected to start against Arsenal.
Over the last few years, this match has lost it’s hype due to United’s domination and their record speaks for it as United came on top four times in their last five meetings while drawing the other. But expect a hard-fought contest this time around.
Prediction: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
This will be a cagey affair; both teams have quality up top but Arsenal look in a better shape going into this game. It will be a draw with Rooney to score for United.
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