A rivalry between clubs has its own effects on a football game but a rivalry between managers has an edge to it that makes things all the more interesting. Jose Mourinho, will welcome his nemesis Arsene Wenger to his turf this weekend as Manchester United take on Arsenal in one of the games of the season in the Premier League. United are fresh from a victory over Swansea while Arsenal took just a point from the North London derby against Tottenham in the last round. There are some fiery battles between players that await the fans on Saturday and here are 5 key battles that might decide the game:
Granit Xhaka vs Paul Pogba:
The world record signing for Manchester United, Paul Pogba, is just starting to find some form and will be full of confidence after his performances over Swansea in the previous round. However, he will be up against a feisty Granit Xhaka who does not mind taking the risk. Xhaka will frustrate the United man who will have be incharge of the bulk of the creativity for his side and if Xhaka can keep his quite, Arsenal have a great chance to run away with all three points.
Theo Walcott vs Marcos Rojo:
Though the Argentine defender did a good job in the center of the defense for United, he will be shifted to the wing this weekend against Arsenal and he will have to deal with the in-form English winger in Theo Walcott. The Arsenal man has been in fine form scoring 5 goals already this season. He is looking confident and will be a big threat which will have to be neutralized by Rojo. It is easily a battle that can decide the outcome of the game.
Alexis Sanchez vs Daley Blind:
The Dutch international has been in fine form for United playing as a central defender but he will face his toughest task yet this season when he takes on the in-form Chilean from Arsenal. Sanchez has been absolutely brilliant in a false-9 role for the Gunners this season scoring 6 goals already and will hope to get the better of the United center half on the night. Blind will have to be on his toes and give Sanchez no chance to keep his side in the game.
Marcus Rashford vs Carl Jenkinson:
Returning from injury, Jenkinson is expected to start for Arsenal for the first time in the Premier League and he will be up against a young and exciting Marcus Rashford on his debut. The Manchester United teenager is a a potentially world class player who can make the Gunners pay in front of goal and Jenkinson will have his work cut out in keeping him away from danger to help his side by keeping the threat from his wing to minimal.
Mesut Ozil vs Ander Herrera:
The German midfielder has also been in sublime touch this season scoring some important goals for the side recently. He has been the lynchpin for the side in the final third and his consistency is what is keeping Arsenal in the hunt this season. He will be up against an energetic Ander Herrera who just received his first national team call up in the international break. The United midfielder will surely make life tough for Ozil who will have to be at his best to help his side to a victory.
Which battle do you think can decide this game?