Arsenal Preview Premiership 13th April 2008
In years gone by this was the most hotly anticipated clash of the football calender, but more recently that rivalry has fizzed down to give the fixture less spark or anticipation, as Arsenal continue to underachieve. Nonetheless, Manchester United cannot treat this game with any less seriousness as it represents Arsenals last chance of any silverware this season - it is literally win or bust for the visitors.
With Chelsea breathing down the neck of United and ready to seize an advantage should the home side suffer anymore hiccups like they did at the Riverside, concentration is paramount - two fold, really, given Arsenal's European exit in midweek and also considering the way the visitors behave when they believe they have been "wronged" by officials.
After a much rotated side that welcomed back two old faces into the fray, Sir Alex Ferguson will field his strongest eleven - but after such strong performances from Pique, Hargreaves, Giggs and Park in midweek, that strongest eleven is impossible to call. It is likely to feature Patrice Evra, completely rested in midweek, and forward wizards Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes seems a certain starter after his rest but Gary Neville is not likely to start, despite his appearance in midweek.
As ever, it is midfield and up front where Sir Alex will spring a surprise, and there is bound to be one - Nani is close to returning to the squad and after his impressive display against the Gunners in the FA Cup, he could figure.
Visiting boss Arsene Wenger is slightly more predictable with his line-up - with Flamini likely to miss out, Fabregas will be partnered by either Diaby or Gilberto, while Theo Walcott is certain to start after the hype over his fabulous run (described by the media as a "wonderful performance"). Sagna remains a doubt, but Wenger will be loathe to play Toure at right back after Senderos shocking display in midweek.
Danger Man : United tend to play with a freedom in midfield that can allow the opponents to indulge in their own creativity - but Fabregas' style of play, as good as it is, is one dimensional - it is Emanuel Adebayor, probably recipient of the Spaniard's passes, who poses the main threat. The Togo striker is very much a streak striker and his goal at Anfield may have given him the confidence to pump him up for the Old Trafford clash - certainly, a war wounded Rio Ferdinand will have to be at his imperious best.
Prediction : These clashes are almost always tight affairs, decided by the odd goal. In weighing up both sides respective injury concerns and all other circumstances, it could well come down to who responds better after a setback - United will be aiming to kick start their final few games after drawing at Boro, while the Gunners, as mentioned, go into this game knowing if they lose, their season is effectively over. For that reason my head tells me this will be a draw, but I will stick my neck on the line simply because I saw enough quality in the front players last week to make me believe they're really on form - Arsenal have had 3 tough games and I believe United's easier midweek outing may just give them the edge. United 2-1.
What do you think? Have you're say in the Manchester United v.s Arsenal Match Thread
Source:(Yolkie)