Arsenal Vs Manchester United Preview

Years ago, this rivalry would undoubtedly the biggest match in the country where the fiery match build-up would already begin a week before kick-off. However, the excitement and anticipation seems abnormally modest unlike it has always been.

Gunners Ammunition-less

The reason of a plain build-up could only lies with an anonymous Arsenal whom has slumped to an impotent 2-1 defeat at Stoke City at the weekend, before following this up on Wednesday night with a 0-0 draw against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League.

The Gunners are used to being the cavaliers of English football, delighting the Emirates crowd with their artistry on the pitch as they craft goals from the highest order. But after a disappointing run in the past weeks. Arsenal looks ripe for the taking when Manchester United head to the North London team.

Their weakness at the defence has seen them concede over twice the amount of goals that top of the table Chelsea have. The tipping point for this came in the recent shambolic draw with bitter rivals Tottenham, where a two goal lead in the 89th minute turned in to a 4-4 draw at the final whistle.

Subsequently the mood and confidence heading into the United game is low and the need for victory looks much more crucial, especially to get the fans back on side.

Definitely ruled out tomorrow are Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (Knee) and Robin van Persie who is suspended, as well as long term injuries to Eduardo and Rosicky. That leaves Wenger short on attacking options with Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela the only recognized strikers available. Bendtner was poor against Fenerbahce but they could be the only best option for now.

The worse is not over for the Gunners yet where a string of doubters continues to decrease the confidence of the Emirates. Ex-Red Devils, Mikael Silvestre (Broken nose) may not face his former club while William Gallas (Hamstring) and Theo Walcott with Eboue could suffer the same fate. Wenger will be counting on the fitness of Walcott who has been the team’s best player this season. Manuel Almunia is over his sickness and trained on Thursday however Bacary Sagna sat out the session, should Sagna miss out it seems likely that Kolo Toure will continue at right back.

As tough as it could, the Gunners could not go down without a fight even the odds are against them.

United Out To Sink Arsenal for Good

Manchester United travel to the Emirates in the knowledge that a win could provide a critical blow to the title hopes of one of their Premier League rivals. We may only be in the early weeks of November, but the stakes are already that high.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges rarely fail to go for the jugular in these circumstances. You can bet the Scottish manager will be inspiring his troops to get the right result at a time when the Gunners are struggling at home and in Europe.

This determination to claim United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium was borne out by the side Ferguson selected for the mid-week Champions League game with Celtic.

The team that took the pitch at Parkhead for the 1-1 draw was lacking several of its usual star names. Players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Anderson, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney were rested.

As for United, they are coming off a tense 4-3 victory against Hull City and a 1-1 draw with Celtic. They’re having trouble defending in the back and they’re having trouble finishing off their chances on offense. Plus, there’s that whole problem with figuring out what 30 million pound striker to play. The last thing they’ll want to do is to drop points in a title race that they’re already running behind, especially against a hated rival.

Man Utd do not have any major injury problems except for Paul Scholes, Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves.

It could be United eating out of Arsenal’s hands but the ball is round, you could never know until the whistle is blown.