Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallArsenal vs Man United
Manchester United scent a wounded animal and on Saturday the European Champions could all but kill-off their rival’s title hopes.
It’s been a disastrous few weeks for Arsenal - as well as some poor results, a sensitive and weak underbelly has once again been exposed - but it could get worse. Arsenal’s title bid could be terminally damaged before mid November.
Key players:
Ars - With a number of injuries to important players, there will be huge responsibility on Cesc Fabregas as a leader and player especially as the side are still lacking a specialist holding midfielder.
Man U - Cristiano Ronaldo is finally coming back to his best form and his ability to run at players as well as shooting early from distance could prove decisive.
Injuries:
Ars - Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (knee) out. Doubts over Theo Walcott (shoulder) and William Gallas (thigh)
Man U - Wes Brown doubt.
Suspensions:
Ars - Robin van Persie
Won and lost:
Despite their attacking reputation, Arsenal may be forced to retreat into a disciplined defensive display as United go for the jugular at the Eimrates.
Arsenal will set-up with a very compact formation - to prevent Rooney and Ronaldo from causing havoc in between teh opposition’s midfield and defence - and look to hit United on the break with the pace of Walcott (if playing), Gael Clichy and the trickery of Samir Nasri, using Niclas Bendthner as a rallying point in attack.
If Arsenal drop too deep, a distinct possibility, United will rely on the Berbatov lay-off ability of Berbatov, and Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s long range shooting ability.
Result:
United to have too many options in attack and win 2-1.
It’s been a disastrous few weeks for Arsenal - as well as some poor results, a sensitive and weak underbelly has once again been exposed - but it could get worse. Arsenal’s title bid could be terminally damaged before mid November.
Key players:
Ars - With a number of injuries to important players, there will be huge responsibility on Cesc Fabregas as a leader and player especially as the side are still lacking a specialist holding midfielder.
Man U - Cristiano Ronaldo is finally coming back to his best form and his ability to run at players as well as shooting early from distance could prove decisive.
Injuries:
Ars - Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (knee) out. Doubts over Theo Walcott (shoulder) and William Gallas (thigh)
Man U - Wes Brown doubt.
Suspensions:
Ars - Robin van Persie
Won and lost:
Despite their attacking reputation, Arsenal may be forced to retreat into a disciplined defensive display as United go for the jugular at the Eimrates.
Arsenal will set-up with a very compact formation - to prevent Rooney and Ronaldo from causing havoc in between teh opposition’s midfield and defence - and look to hit United on the break with the pace of Walcott (if playing), Gael Clichy and the trickery of Samir Nasri, using Niclas Bendthner as a rallying point in attack.
If Arsenal drop too deep, a distinct possibility, United will rely on the Berbatov lay-off ability of Berbatov, and Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s long range shooting ability.
Result:
United to have too many options in attack and win 2-1.
