Persie-n war
Manchester United and Arsenal once again go head-to-head in a clash that has given many a fan memories to last a lifetime.
While not title rivals in the strictest sense any more (owing to Arsenal’s inability to win anything for seven years), these teams still enjoy a fierce rivalry. More so now, after the 8–2 hiding handed out by United last season, and the transfer of Robin van Persie.
The signing of van Persie prompted many questions about how Sir Alex Ferguson would include him in Manchester United’s starting XI.
But considering his love of width throughout his quarter-century in charge, few predicted United would showcase a diamond midfield system — allowing Wayne Rooney to operate behind two other central forwards.
That formation was used with some success in the Champions League and in a 3-0 win away at Newcastle, but Ferguson is likely to deploy a more familiar shape this weekend, with two wide players.
Rooney, who has an excellent record against Arsenal, plays as a forward when Manchester United have the ball but drops into midfield when the ball is lost. Against Chelsea last weekend, he frequently ended up alongside Tom Cleverley, making United look like a 4-1-4-1 without the ball, with Michael Carrick the holding player.
Arsenal, in contrast, have had a decent start to the season. Nine games in, they now have conceded the least number of goals so far. They do however, suffer in attack, as Olivier Giroud is yet to start scoring regularly.
It’s imperative that Arsenal are secure down the left. After problems against Jefferson Farfan in the home defeat to Schalke, a similar wing threat will be provided by Antonio Valencia, who powers down the outside before crossing.
With enthusiastic support from Rafael da Silva, Arsenal must prevent from becoming overloaded down that flank.
United lack a traditional ball-winner in midfield, but Carrick plays an intelligent role, tracking runners and staying on his feet rather than plunging into tackles.
He also communicates well with the back four to keep the side compact between the lines, and Santi Cazorla might need assistance to allow Arsenal to create from that position.
An accurate prediction of the final scoreline seems impossible, but what we can be sure of, is a showdown of epic proportions. Fans of both teams will be licking their lips in anticipation. And for good reason
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