Once upon a time in footballing folklore, there was a rivalry between two English clubs - Manchester United and Arsenal. Many a times, this proved to be the title decider and almost every match was memorable for some incident or the other. However, over the years these two footballing giants have taken two separate routes. One team has won trophies and stayed in top shape despite lots of players leaving and the team undergoing constant changes, while another team (which plays fantastic free-flowing football) is just staying afloat in the top four, with the likes of the money-men Chelsea and of late Manchester City constantly jostling with Arsenal for honours.
Here is a preview of what’s in store for us this Sunday at Old Trafford:
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson won the Red Devils their league title #19 with virtually ‘one of his weakest teams ever’. With a spate of brilliant buys this season, United look a fiery lot and strong contenders to claim league title No. 20. With the promotion of a couple of “Fergie’s Fledglings” namely Cleverley and Welbeck, United has kept its values of the need for homegrown talent intact. Also, with injuries at the heart of the defence, we have seen Smalling, Jones and Evans rising up to the occasion. Old Trafford is a fortress and we know that a visiting team will always find it tough to pinch points here. So here’s a look at the probable united line up for Sunday:
Probable Lineup: [4-4-2]
Manchester United Line-Up
Defence: The United defence has improved by leaps and bounds since last season. But with injuries to first teamers like Rafael, Vidic and Ferdinand, the youth are being summoned to the occasion earlier than anticipated. As we saw against Spurs, they did a good job in keeping the opposition players in check, and David De Gea managed his first clean sheet. Despite all of this, I feel this is United’s weakest link partly because of the unpredictable form of Jonny Evans and the poor performances of Evra of late. This might prove to be a problem, especially when facing a team of Arsenal’s pace. Also, De Gea is being given stick from all parts of the press and he would be eager to prove a point.
Midfield: Last season, Nani came of age and has been a core part of every big United win ever since. Young has been a revelation at Old Trafford, with his talent finally coming to light, with the right players around him to help receive a pass when he has the ball. I feel he has it in him to be one of United’s greatest in the future. Also, a certain Luis Oliveira Anderson has shown why he was called an exceptional talent with his physical presence in central midfield, sharp passing and an occasional goal here and there. The last player in the midfield is my favourite, and I feel he is United’s reply to all those who wanked about a certain Wilshere. Yes, I’m talking about Cleverley who has proven that when you have talent in your backyard, you don’t need to go shopping for a certain Dutchman.
Forwards: Welbeck has matured a lot since his loan spell at Sunderland last season. His aerial abilities and keen ball sense were evident in that mauling of Spurs. I think enough has been said about Rooney and his brilliance, and I believe he is easily the most talented player in the league now. Also, Chicharito looks like he is back in the scheme of things with a substitute appearance in the last match.
The average age of this squad is around 24 – that’s not old is it, Mr. Wenger?
ARSENAL:
Free-flowing football and Arsenal have been synonymous over the years. And one Arsene Wenger is responsible for the football as well as the current state of affairs in the Gunners camp. Over the past few years, they have become a feeder club similar to an Everton or a Fulham which raises players like thoroughbred horses, and then a rich fat owner comes along and buys it when it’s ready to race. Wenger has been like a caring Dad to Arsenal over the past 15 years and has reared many children to become superstars. But these children lack any sense of gratitude and move to greener pastures citing ‘Trophylessness Syndrome’. Wenger must be very disappointed and so he will be itching to prove a point to his detractors. And what better way than by winning at his old foe’s fortress.
Coming to the current crop – hit by injuries and low on morale by the sale of Fabregas and Samir Cash-ri – they will be raring to prove a point and show Wenger why they can help him out of his misery and probably win some silverware in the process. I predict the team sheet to look like this:
Probable Line-Up: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3
Arsenal Probable Line-Up
Defence: Szczesny needs no introduction – a true talent who reminds me that he is here to fill the shoes of a Seaman or a Lehmann. However, I think he will be overworked in this match. The depleted Arsenal central defence has Djourou and former Barca youngster Ignasi Miquel in the absence of regular pairing Vermaelen and Koscielny. Jenkinson’s performance against Udinese earned him praise and I look forward to seeing him play. Sagna was easily Arsenal’s best player last season and looks like he will be giving those bombarding runs coupled with inviting crosses to feed van Persie. He is due to have a late test though, having been taken ill on Saturday morning.
Midfield: Henri Lansbury was outstanding for Norwich last season and is sure to start due to all the mess in central midfield along with Ramsey. Arshavin, Rosicky and Walcott in the middle looks like one of the most creative in the league and might make a defender look like a fool if he is a yard slower. They will be all over the place trying to create chances for lone striker van Persie or score by themselves.
Forwards: Robin van Persie is one of those guys who has been there for Arsenal all the time. Although he has been constantly plagued by injuries, we know what he is capable of. As the new captain of the Gunners, he has added responsibility on his shoulders and would love to earn a few brownie points by winning it for them.
PREDICTIONS:
Manchester United to win 3-1 with lots of goals, a bit of play acting (from Arsenal, of course!), and a few cards, maybe a red too (for Arsenal, again). Rooney, Cleverley and Nani on the score-sheet for the Reds while van Persie to score the lone goal for the Gunners.
I also predict Wenger to kick 2 water bottles, crush 2 more and go sit in the stands like he did two seasons ago.
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