Arsenal takes on Manchester United in the Premier League as they look to stay in touch with the top four.
Arsene Wenger played United at Old Trafford with a depleted squad. He goes into this match with a depleted squad as well as he has no left-back to call on due to injuries. Andre Santos, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Francis Coquelin, Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson will not take any part on Sunday.
Manchester United will come into the match with the fond memories from the earlier part of the season when a young United side dismantled Arsenal, 8-2. The defeat was the worst the Gunners had ever suffered in their proud history. Tom Cleverley was influential that day but will have to watch from the side-lines due to injury.
Old Trafford is called the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ by United supporters. Unfortunately for many Premier League sides, Old Trafford is an arena for nightmares. Arsenal is one of those teams as far as this season is concerned. The defeat in the early part of the season cannot simply be described as ‘humiliation’. The defeat was cruel and tore apart the young Gunners almost leaving them begging for mercy as the end approached.
Arsenal made a revival like no other by stringing some wins together and climbing up to fourth before poor form and injuries saw them drop to fifth. Arsene Wenger’s minimum aim is the fourth Champions League spot and a loss against United would see them lose ground on fourth placed Chelsea.
United is contending for the title at the moment. They have lost the ‘aura’ of champions with City leading the charge this year and for a change, with United chasing them. United has been boosted by the return of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones into the squad. Ashley Young and Anderson are out of the picture with injuries. Young caused havoc in Old Trafford and Arsenal will be glad to not have to face him again.
For Arsenal, the biggest problem might turn out to be the absence of Mikel Arteta, a player who has been influential for them since his arrival from Everton. Jack Wilshere will obviously be absent in this fixture but is close to making a much awaited comeback. Thierry Henry has a calf problem and is doubtful for the match.
What must be said is that Arsenal won this fixture last season when Aaron Ramsey settled it with a beautiful goal. Manchester United took a cautious approach in that match. They were the leaders of the pack during that time and had very little to lose in that game. Arsenal looked sharp and was the better side throughout that match.
United will have to win this one to stay in touch with City at the top. Thus, as a result, expect United to take the match to Arsenal. Arsenal will play in their usual style and attack from the get-go as well. The match promises plenty of entertainment; the afternoon could however turn out to be one filled with misplaced passes and defensive errors due to both sides’ injury problems.
Finally, how much will the 8-2 defeat impact the Gunners? This is what Arsene Wenger had to say:
“The result in August has nothing to do with that, we cannot wipe it out. It will not be an excuse not to beat them (United) - it is over. You focus on what is in front of you and you try to do as well as you can.”
Let’s hope that we are all treated to a football feast on Sunday.
Manchester United will come into the match with the fond memories from the earlier part of the season when a young United side dismantled Arsenal, 8-2. The defeat was the worst the Gunners had ever suffered in their proud history. Tom Cleverley was influential that day but will have to watch from the side-lines due to injury.
Old Trafford is called the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ by United supporters. Unfortunately for many Premier League sides, Old Trafford is an arena for nightmares. Arsenal is one of those teams as far as this season is concerned. The defeat in the early part of the season cannot simply be described as ‘humiliation’. The defeat was cruel and tore apart the young Gunners almost leaving them begging for mercy as the end approached.
Arsenal made a revival like no other by stringing some wins together and climbing up to fourth before poor form and injuries saw them drop to fifth. Arsene Wenger’s minimum aim is the fourth Champions League spot and a loss against United would see them lose ground on fourth placed Chelsea.
United is contending for the title at the moment. They have lost the ‘aura’ of champions with City leading the charge this year and for a change, with United chasing them. United has been boosted by the return of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones into the squad. Ashley Young and Anderson are out of the picture with injuries. Young caused havoc in Old Trafford and Arsenal will be glad to not have to face him again.
For Arsenal, the biggest problem might turn out to be the absence of Mikel Arteta, a player who has been influential for them since his arrival from Everton. Jack Wilshere will obviously be absent in this fixture but is close to making a much awaited comeback. Thierry Henry has a calf problem and is doubtful for the match.
What must be said is that Arsenal won this fixture last season when Aaron Ramsey settled it with a beautiful goal. Manchester United took a cautious approach in that match. They were the leaders of the pack during that time and had very little to lose in that game. Arsenal looked sharp and was the better side throughout that match.
United will have to win this one to stay in touch with City at the top. Thus, as a result, expect United to take the match to Arsenal. Arsenal will play in their usual style and attack from the get-go as well. The match promises plenty of entertainment; the afternoon could however turn out to be one filled with misplaced passes and defensive errors due to both sides’ injury problems.
Finally, how much will the 8-2 defeat impact the Gunners? This is what Arsene Wenger had to say:
“The result in August has nothing to do with that, we cannot wipe it out. It will not be an excuse not to beat them (United) - it is over. You focus on what is in front of you and you try to do as well as you can.”
Let’s hope that we are all treated to a football feast on Sunday.
