A revenge maybe on the cards when Arsenal visit the Red Devil's lair after a year since the 8-2 humiliation. 18 Yard Box has a look at this titanic clash we have on our hands in an early Saturday kickoff.
One of the oldest & fiercest rivalries of English
football, this is one fixture everyone looks forward to and a game which
never ever disappoints the football fan. Last season produced a match which left everyone thinking whether is rivalry is over for the good. The 8-2 mauling of the Gunners was the least of their concern when Robin Van Persie jumped the ship to join the exact same team who humiliated them. It has not been a pretty season for Arsenal in terms of losing out on both on field and off field activities to United. The recent give and take of respect between Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex might have taken the sting out to the tie but this tie usually has everything for the neutrals as well as the club faithfuls.
18 Yard Box analyses the strengths and weaknesses of both sides ahead of the game in what promises to be a great match in prospect.
Manchester
United
After a stuttering start to the campaign, which began with a loss at Goodison, Manchester United are back where they belong; top of the table, just a point behind Chelsea. With Rooney & Van Persie forming a formidable and lethal combination upfront, The Red Devils seem to be on their way to glory this season.
Strengths
Coming into this match having scored 7 goals in the last two games, attack seems to be United’s best defence. Also, the victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, although under controversial circumstances, has given Sir Alex and his team a much needed boost to their campaign. The absence of Kagawa might be a blessing for them as Rooney has been outstanding in that position just behind the striker.
Add to it, Van Persie’s pin-point delivery from set pieces and here you have side capable from scoring in anyway and from whichever position you like.
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| Deadly Duo! |
Conceding early goals has been a problem for them this season. Although the United spirit to come back hasn’t shown the severity of this problem, but such mistakes in big games might cost them vital points and probably the title itself. Also, United have quite a few players injured. The fans will be hoping that there are no more additions to that list. The defence which is boasting the likes of the experienced Rio Ferdinand and his young prodigy Johnny Evans has come under great scrutiny. The return of Smalling might help United shore up their defense as Arsenal's midfield will look to exploit it in every possible way.
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| They have to think hard to stop the leaks at the back. |
Arsenal
Having had an astonishing yet not so outstanding start to their campaign, the Gunners seem to have lost their way. With two losses over the past three games, it certainly doesn’t look great for Wenger’s boys. However, they now visit Old Trafford after that historic comeback against Reading in the Domestic Cup. Yes, that game was just a cup match involving fringe players from Arsenal, but then, the mental boost and sheer resilience which they showed to come back from 4 goals down and win the game, should give them enough confidence going into this fixture.
Strengths
Arsenal look pretty decent in all three departments. With
the absence of first-choice keeper Szczesny, Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone
has grabbed his chance by both hands by delivering impressive performances
regularly.
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| Perfect partners in the middle of the park |
It’s the midfield duo of Arteta and Cazorla who have been pulling
the strings for the Gunners. With return of Jack Wilshere, Arsenal will
probably get the much-needed spark ahead of the big tie.
Weaknesses
One of the prime reasons for Arsenal’s inconsistency has
been their inability to finish off opponents even after dominating the entire
game. They lack that finishing move. The strike-force has been disappointing. If
there was any occasion for Olivier Giroud to step up to the plate and deliver
then there won’t be any better one than Saturday. With the tag of being “replacement” for Robin van Persie still hovering over his head, Giroud can silence his critics
once and for all by winning the game for his team. Another area of concern is
the left back position. The absence of Gibbs has hurt them dearly as Santos
seems nothing but average, probably below average.
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| It's time he rises to the occasion and delivers! |
Importance
of a Win
It’s no-brainer that both sides will go all out for those 3 points. A win for United will further cement their position at the top, while a win for the Gunners will see them leap-frog some places in the table and put them back in title contention. Also, Arsenal fans would be awaiting this game for more than one reason. They will be looking forward not only to avenge that woeful 8-2 demolition of last season but also to prove a point that they are still more than capable a side to defeat the best teams in the world without Robin Van Persie.
The Final Verdict
Expectations are high from both sets of fans and the 80,000 plus crowd at Old Trafford will further add to the anxiety. An open ended game which will see Arsenal holding the ball for ample of time and United thriving on counter attacks, could boil down to a moment of madness like a red card or a miraculous performance by one of the many stars out there. The temperatures will rise in the red side of Manchester and if the Old Trafford does become a cauldron of sound then Arsenal might be over awed. A 2-1 win for the home side seems likely but a shock defeat could also be on the cards.
Written By,
Pranav Byatnal.
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