Rival coaches aim for win ahead of mouth-watering premier league clash
Two of the oldest rivals in English football are squaring up for a mouthwatering clash at the home of Manchester United Old Trafford.
The season is being hailed as one of the closest league seasons in recent memory, hence the winners in the clash are set to go at the top of the table with the match taking place on Monday.
With its topsy turvy nature, the season saw last season’s champions Chelsea dominating the initial stages, however, the other two leading contenders; the Gunners and Red Devils have overtaken them at the top of the pile.
Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United is geared up for the title and he claims that a lot is at stake for both teams. As far his team selection for the match is concerned, the star United defender Rio Ferdinand has been able to get past his hamstring
injury and would be taking the field. Similarly, left back Patrice Evra and midfielder Paul Scholes are also set to take part in the clash.
Ferguson is happy with the preparations ahead of the clash, "A Manchester United - Arsenal game, the history of both teams, always guarantees a match of intensity and a lot of times controversy, I think Monday night's game will be more or less the same because
the pride of both clubs and the history of both clubs determine that," he said.
"Well I think that they've (Arsenal) probably matured, they seem to be more aggressive this year, there really isn't any doubt about that. They're top of the league, you know you can't dispute that, it's a sure indication that they're better than they were
last year”. He said.
Currently the Red Devils are placed at the second position in the table with 31 points from 15 games.
There are a point behind Arsenal who have played a game more, Chelsea themselves are now placed at the third spot while fourth-placed Manchester City have 29 points in all.
On the other hand Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that his team has the potential to topple their rivals even in their own backyard. He claims that his team is playing at its full potential and would provide tough resistance to the hosts.
The Gunners will make a late decision on whether captain Cesc Fabregas will be fit for the clash while Wenger is adamant his side can beat Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
"What is important is, it's not Ferguson versus Wenger, it's Manchester United versus Arsenal football club. What is important is how well both teams and I hope it will be, all the ingredients are there for it to be an exciting game and I hope that is what
we produce," said the Arsenal boss.
"Of course it is always of psychological importance in the heads of the players to beat your main rivals, but we are doing well and we are in the position where we can have belief. We are very hungry and playing for each other more than ever and I believe
that we can be dangerous and we can beat anybody."
The clash between the two feisty rivals is being eagerly awaited by both camps with Wenger's side set to face United striker Wayne Rooney.
Wenger has maintained that he always knew that Rooney would remain at the club, despite the public breakdown of his contractual negotiations.
On his team’s chances of winning the crown this season, Wenger pointed out that his team has to up the ante whilst playing against the top ranked teams like the Red Devils, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.
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