As United welcome Arsenal in what is anticipated as a mouth watering clash, the battles in the middle of the park are too hot to handle. 18 Yard Box picks out three important battles that can turn the tide of the match.
Usually this clash has a certain enigma attached to it. But over the course of a few years the clash has just been a hurdle for United to cross in their quest for a silverware. To add to that, the mutual respect for the managers has increased and has taken what can be said as the X-factor out of the game.
The usually strained relations between the two clubs have been softened up by the recent departure of Robin Van Persie from London to Manchester. Or have they?
18 Yard Box analyses three key battles on the pitch which can decide the outcome of this match.
You can also read the preview of Manchester United V/S Arsenal by clicking here.
Usually this clash has a certain enigma attached to it. But over the course of a few years the clash has just been a hurdle for United to cross in their quest for a silverware. To add to that, the mutual respect for the managers has increased and has taken what can be said as the X-factor out of the game.
The usually strained relations between the two clubs have been softened up by the recent departure of Robin Van Persie from London to Manchester. Or have they?
18 Yard Box analyses three key battles on the pitch which can decide the outcome of this match.
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One of the key battles on the pitch will surely be this. If United do play wingers, the Arsenal left back will have a tough time controlling the likes of Antonio Valencia and Rafael on the right wing. The Gunners second choice left back has been forced into action due to an injury to Kieran Gibbs. Lapses in concentration is what he cannot afford but it is what he usually does, Santos has not been in his best of forms. Known to take gambles on the pitch, he does not possess the pace to get back should he get beaten by his opposition. Great going forward, he surely has his task cut out for himself as he faces who can be mentioned as one of the best 'Natural' wingers the Premier League possess.
Came in unknown, Anotonio Valencia was handed a tough job of filling Crisitiano Ronaldo's shoes. Although not known for scoring much, Valencia possessess terrific pace and crossing abilities which can exploit the best of defenses. Backed up by the in form Rafael, against Santos, Valencia should have a gala time. His pace alongiwith his eye for a perfect pass inside the box may lead to Arsenal's downfall. United would really be smart if they exploit Santos and here there is only one winner possible.
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The return of Jack Wilshere after 17 months could give Arsenal the much needed impetus to win the game at Old Trafford. Against QPR he looked as if he never was an absentee from the field and had that 'burst' which saw him dominate the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. The only trouble he will have is to adjust to the new midfield duo of Arteta and Cazorla at Arsenal. Wilshere, being technically gifted, has the ability to go forward as well as come back to defend when his team is struck on the counter. He also adds the creative edge to an Arsenal team who lacked plenty going forward last time around at Old Trafford. A clean tackler, he will have to be on his toes when he faces his compatriot Wayne Rooney.
Rooney has been in terrific form and has surely been Manchester United's talisman since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The arrival of Van Persie has caused the spotlight to be shared but United need him more than they need Van Persie. Being a centre forward, Rooney has done well in the CAM role assigned to him. Kagawa's injury has forced him to take that position and he has been his side's linchpin since then. Quick on his feet, it looks like Rooney has surely taken some passing lessons from Paul Scholes. His vision has improved and he will give a tough time to Wilshere. He and Van Persie could turn into a lethal combination and should Wilshere fail to mark his man, Rooney could spell danger in the Arsenal box.
This clash of the number 10's is surely going to be an enticing one and Rooney might just win it, being the experienced amongst the two.
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Its a story of foes turned friends turned foes. This clash bears testament to the fact that nothing is impossible in football. After two years of playing together, Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen will be on the opposite sides yet again. One a world class defender and the other a world class centre forward, its a clash between the former and the present Arsenal skippers.
Vermaelen has not shown his true colours as of yet this season but going against his former team mate might spur him to rise to the ocassion. Missing the last visit to Old Trafford last year due to an injury, he would be out there to make amends as Arsenal go into this game with the best defensive record in the Premier League. Having an excellent reader of the game in the form of Per Mertesacker beside him, Arsenal have all it takes to stop the talismatic Dutchman.
Van Persie's move to a new home has not caused a drop in hi performace. Leaving where he left off last year, he is the leading goal scorer for United at present. His ability to go deep to pick up the ball in the midfield could see him and Rooney exchange passes and cause havoc in the Arsenal defence. To add to this the deliveries to Van Persie from the wings will be much better than he used to get at Arsenal. Its a tough one to call but if Arsenal play smartly then they could keep him at bay.
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You can also read the preview of Manchester United V/S Arsenal by clicking here.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
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