The managers and teams have a long standing feud with each other. Their midweek matches had a combined total of 12 goals. Both teams kind of have a point to prove after some disappointing results/performances recently. Makings of an exciting match? Probably. Repeat of the 8-2 scoreline we saw last season? Highly improbable.
You would normally expect Sir Alex Ferguson to adopt a more cautious approach when facing one of the stronger teams in the league but this season he has seemed to thrown defense out of the window in exchange for a carefree throw-all into attack style. This might just play into Arsenal's hands and you can expect to see Arsenal's attackers outnumber United's defence in many of their lightning quick counter-attacks. Despite his inconsistency, I would start Walcott in this game. However entertaining United's open style of play may be, they have left themselves very susceptible to speed on the break and Walcott can provide just that option as compared to Giroud, who is probably not as suited to that way of playing. Another way Arsene Wenger might look up one-up SAF will be to place Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the right wing position. Ramsey might provide an assuredness to the game but Chamberlain's quick feet and unpredictability will surely serve the team better in what is sure to be a fast paced game. Faced up against Alexander Buttner or Patrice Evra, both of whom can be described as at best sloppy this season, Chamberlain's dribbling can be put to great effect in comparison to Ramsey, who might slow down the pace of the counter-attacks instead.
Up front is where United will look to redeem themselves. Hernandez's good performances against Chelsea pushes him closer to the starting line-up and I will not be surprised to see him and Robin Van Persie as the favoured strikers while Rooney is lined up on the left flank with Valencia on the right. Rooney on the left will present a new kind of problem for Carl Jenkinson, who has been quietly impressive this season. However, he has been facing traditional wingers who hug the touchline and Rooney tends to drift in when played on the wing. This outlet of attack will test Jenkison and he might be clueless as to when to follow and when to hold his ground. A blow for SAF is the continued absence of Shinji Kagawa limits the tactical options available to SAF. Nani also looks unlikely to start after SAF's latest scathing attack on him in the aftermath of the previous game. The selection of the central midfielders will be key in this match for United. SAF seems to have learnt his lesson from the Liverpool game and is unlikely to play Giggs in this fixture after playing him in the Capital One Cup, a sign which I am sure will be of mighty relief to their fans. The danger remains there though that he might start the other veteran, Paul Scholes, which will surely be a fatal blow to his team's chances given Scholes' lack of pace and frequent miss in tackles. A more comforting choice will be a pairing of Carrick and Anderson as I feel that Fletcher currently does not have in his tank what is required for such a high tempo game.
Predictions:
Expect a high scoring game. Well, that's a pretty obvious conclusion. Personally, I will take an Arsenal win here and somewhere in the back of my mind I am constantly reminded of United's thrashing at the hands of City and Arsenal might possibly exact revenge for their last season's humiliation in a similar manner if United gets a man sent off. Punters can also put some money on Van Persie to score anytime given his prolific scoring record and especially since it is against his old club. Braver guys might also see great value in backing Vermaelen to score and choosing Any Other Score.
Sidenote: Anyone with any matches they would like me to discuss? Do comment.
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