Manchester United v Arsenal: Key Battles
The big match this weekend takes place at Old Trafford, when old foes Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger go head to head yet again. Two of the oldest managers in the league know all about this fixture.
They currently hold on to the top spots in the table with Arsenal on 32 from 16 matches while Manchester United are a point behind them and have played a game less. This fixture has always brought some controversy and both sets of fans will be desperate
to get the win.
Cesc Fabregas faces a late fitness test and his availability would give his side a major boost. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney showed glimpses against Valencia that he is returning to full fitness and more importantly form.
Bettor.com has analysed some of the key battles which can decide the outcome of this match. The team that wins more battles will be expected to come away with all three points.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) v Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The stage is set for Wayne Rooney to kick start his season and a goal will do him no harm what so ever. Laurent Koscielny will be the man trying to stop him. Rooney looked sharp in his last outing against Spanish side Valencia on Wednesday and this is his
chance to shine, make a statement and prove a point.
Koscielny will be given the tough task of keeping the Englishman quiet and it won’t be easy at all. He will need lots of help from Alexander Song. Koscielny hasn’t really set the stage alight with his performances this season. A couple of red cards haven’t
helped either.
However, he looks a decent player and on his day can keep the likes of Rooney at bay. This little battle can be crucial. If Rooney finds his feet and Manchester United dominate the game for longer spells than it could well prove to be a long night for the
Frenchman, who will be playing for the first time at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) v Cesc Fabregas/Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal)
This will give you an idea of what Fabregas’ presence could mean to Arsenal, if he does not play his place will be taken up by Tomas Rosicky. Fletcher knows that if Fabregas plays he will have his work cut out.
Another crucial battle in the middle of the park, and if Manchester United want to stop Arsenal from playing their free flowing football then they need to make sure they keep a check on Arsenal’s playmaker – whoever it may be.
It is expected that Anderson will play alongside Fletcher to give more energy to the midfield and it won’t come as a surprise if we see Anderson coming back to help nullify the threat posed by either Fabregas or Rosicky.
Arsenal’s extra man in midfield could well prove to be crucial in this tie, but stopping Fabregas has to be of paramount importance for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Patrice Evra (Manchester United) v Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Evra probably won’t be alone in trying to stop Nasri; he will be supported by Ji-Sung Park on the left wing. Nasri has been sensational this season and will be in bullish mood coming into this game, having scored two spectacular goals last weekend.
It will be interesting to see how Evra plays; he will need to be careful that when he attacks he cannot leave too much space behind him otherwise, someone like Nasri is more than capable to punish such a mistake. He will need support from Park and will have
to be careful when Nasri comes in field – which he often would.
Like Fabregas, Nasri has become an integral part of the Arsenal line up and is their other most creative player. He is in good goal scoring form and another at Old Trafford could well prove to be decisive in what is expected to be a tightly contested match.
Tags: