Match Preview – Arsenal Vs Manchester United
A fixture that used to be between title contenders in the past may have gone down to the level of a top four contest but this fixture still remains an important one in the English Premier League. Both teams have lost vital points so far this season and are not having the best of start to the Premier League. The fixture may have been marred by so many injury problems from both teams but it is expected to be an important win for whoever wins. Arsenal have beaten Manchester United once in the last 14 meetings and it is high time the Gunners step up and pick important points against the Red Devils if they are to make their top four finish intention concrete. Arsenal is priced at 23/20 to win the match. Manchester United however are yet to secure an away victory in the last 7 away English Premier League matches and this presents a good opportunity for the Red Devils for confidence boost.
The major talking point will be the possible featuring of Danny Welbeck against his former club, Manchester United. The English striker scored twice for England last weekend and will hope to prove Louis van Gaal wrong after the Dutchman sold him to Arsenal in the summer for £16 million. Arsenal manager will have to come up with a solution to their recent defensive loss of concentration after dropping points against Anderlecht and Swansea from winning positions. French duo of Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy will be unavailable for Arsenal while Mikel Arteta and Olivier Giroud have been declared available by Arsene Wenger. The availability of these two players will be a big boost for the Gunners as they hope to have enough depth especially with Theo Walcott ruled out of the encounter after an injury set back. The late arrival of Alexis Sanchez from international duty may be a source of concern for Arsene Wenger but the Chilean is expected to feature as he looks to continue his brilliant run of form. Danny Welbeck who is priced at 7/5 to score at anytime or 5/1 to score the first goal is expected to face Manchester United despite having to wait for a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty with England.
Manchester United who is priced at 13/5 to win via bet365.com on the other hand has to cope with the absence of Daley Blind who will have to wait for some time to know the extent of his injury. Louis van Gaal’s side already have a lot to cope with at the back prior to this fixture and things are not looking better as they are expected to field an unlikely and inexperienced defence against Arsenal tomorrow. David De Gea should be fit enough to play after recent scare about a dislocated finger. First choice right back, Rafael Da Silva, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Marcos Rojo are all unavailable for the Red Devils leaving the manager with no choice than to turn to U-21 defenders. Both Luke Shaw and Michael Carrick will have to wait for a late fitness test to confirm their availability for the crunch fixture while Radamel Falcao has been ruled out for a further two weeks. Chris Smalling will return from suspension and United fans will hope he will step up from his childish display last time out against Manchester City.
Despite injury concerns for both teams, it will be an interesting and open game which could go either way. Arsenal has found it difficult breaking down Manchester United in recent years. Although this presents the best opportunity for the Gunners but Manchester United improved display against Chelsea and Manchester City shows they still relish the big matches. New signings Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria will however be expected to create the needed spark for their respective teams. With one point between both teams, it will definitely be a great contest.
Referee, Mike Dean will be in charge and he will be assisted by J. Collin and D England with M Jones the fourth official at the Emirates in English Premier League Saturday late kick off.