Super Sunday this weekend bring a classic- Arsenal vs Manchester United.
Prior to the crunch Premier League fixture against Manchester United, an Arsenal fan can surely relate himself with Cage, played by Tom Cruise, in his sci-fi vehicle ‘’Edge of Tomorrow’’.
Stuck in the time loop, the same day being repeated over and over again.Same injury crisis ( Welbeck, Wilshere, Koscielny, Flamini out) and the same lean patch of form before facing United.
Beating Sunderland to sit pretty at the top of the league table and beating Wolfsburg 2-1 in Champions League have provided United huge impetus before going to Emirates.
Arsenal is coming from a 2-3 defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League. Arsene Wenger has lost 10 out of last 16 matches against Manchester United.
Arsenal also has the lowest winning percentage of 24 against United. News of David Beckham coming back to Old Trafford for charity match (Stevie G effect, isn’t it?) has already given United supporters some more reasons for joy, they are expecting their team to snatch a win to see off this weekend with jubilation.
Van Gaal sounded supremely confident in his pre-match presser, said:’’when we win at Arsenal, everyone will believe we can win the title”.Wenger also claimed Arsenal to be the title, contenders.Arsenal just need their psychology to be in the right place and prepare well for this big clash.
What Arsenal need to do to win the game?
Arsenal has been pathetic in their set-piece defending, with the likes of Gabriel, Koscielny standing too close to each other, when they need to split up to cover opponent men in the box. Mertesacker needs to defend well in-sync with other defenders. Arsenal need to tight the lines, midfielders need to lend support to the defence.
What Manchester United need to do to win the game?
Rooney’s lack of form is bound to bring cracks in LVG’s forehead. But, the sublime form of Mata, Martial, Depay, Darmian and the return of Carrick will give him relief. Reportedly, Martial will play as a lone striker up top, the would-be PFA fans’ player of the month needs to step up. Manchester United need to dominate space, they don’t need to ponder about the possession, let Arsenal enjoy the meaningless possessions, stay tight and hit them on the counter. United has now joint best defensive record in the PL with Spurs, conceding just 5 goals in 7 matches. But, guys like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil (created 29 chances this season), Cazorla, Ramsey and Walcott will surely give United a run for their money.
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
ARSENAL(4-2-3-1):
CECH, MERTESACKER, GABRIEL, BELLERIN, MONREAL, COQUELIN, CAZORLA, RAMSEY, OZIL, SANCHEZ, WALCOTT
MANCHESTER UNITED(4-2-3-1):
DE GEA, BLIND, SMALLING, DARMIAN, YOUNG, CARRICK, SCHWEINSTEIGER, DEPAY, ROONEY, MATA, MARTIAL
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
K.0: SUNDAY 4 P.M
TV: SKYSPORTS 1
ONLINE STREAMING: SKYSPORTS
PREDICTION- We are predicting a win for Manchester United. 1-0 is our predicted scoreline.
BETTING ODDS- According to the bookmakers, though, Arsenal are favourites. Here are the betting odds-
Arsenal win @2.05
Draw @3.75
Manchester United win @3.75