Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview

Undisputedly, the most anticipated fixture of the month, Manchester United are set to face Arsenal in Premier League, who currently sit on top of the table, though United have a game in hand.

As you would expect, the aggressive nature of these two teams has led to a few harsh words being thrown about by players. A good example is Evra’s definition of the emirates, as a training center having not won anything since 2005, and Nasri’s retort, saying Manchester United are not daunting an opposition anymore since the exit of Ronaldo and Tevez.

Having said this, the two teams clearly respect one another, which will likely see early on in the game, when nervousness is bound to get the better of players.
Manchester United is currently boasting of the fitness return of Scholes and Ferdinand, while Fletcher is also likely to make the starting eleven. Scholes, the midfield pass-master is the man to watch, as his cross-field long passes to the attack leads to goals more often than not, and be the deciding factor in this match.

Rooney and Berbatov are likely to make the attacking front for United, while ‘Chicharito’ may sit this one out for the time being. His input may be required later, if United secure an early lead or fall behind. Other possible starters includes Rafael, Vidic, Evra, Anderson and Nani.

Arsenal on the other hand also has a strong team to deal with United, though Fabregas and Diaby have but a small chance of playing. Other injuries on the arsenal side include Gibbs and Djourou and their participation in this game is also uncertain. In addition Clichy is doubtful with a virus, which mean Wenger are likely to start Ebue.

Nasri is the man to watch on this Arsenal side following his goal scoring spree recently. To back him up from midfield are Song, Wilshere and Denilson, while Arshavin and Chamakh will be the attacking side. The defense will be formed by Squillaci and Koscielny in the mid with Sagna and Ebue as the backs.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.