Nov 08
Match Preview: Arsenal v Manchester United (Premier League)
Fourth-placed Arsenal take on defending champions Manchester United, who are one place above the Gunners in the table with a game in hand, in the Premiership showdown at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Arsene Wenger’s side head into the big clash on the back of poor results that saw the Gunners shocked at Stoke City last weekend following from the 4-4 draw to Tottenham. The Gunners were also held by Fenerbahce to a goalless draw in Champions League at home.
On the other hand, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are in form as they have not lost in last seven games. The Red Devils got the better of Hull City last weekend after an easy win over West Ham last midweek, but had to fight in the title defence of the Champions League when they could only manage a 1-1 draw at Celtic in the group game.
Wenger’s side have a number of injury problems with the likes of skipper William Gallas and winger Theo Walcott facing a late decision – the latter more than likely to be involved.
Bacary Sagna is in the squad, whether or not he starts is another matter. Former Red Devils defender Mikael Silvestre (broken nose) is also a worry, but Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue (both injured) and Robin Van Persie (suspension) are definitely out along with long-term absentees Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky.
United are without Wes Brown (ankle), long-term absentees Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves.
Predicted Arsenal Line-Up:
Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Djourou – Clichy
Walcott – Fabregas – Denilson – Nasri
Bendtner – Vela
Match Prediction: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester United
Catch all the post-match reaction and player ratings here on Gooner Talk seconds after the final whistle.
Leave your views and predictions of tomorrows game in the comments section below.
I don’t think he will play Vela. This is the type of situation/game where Wenger will be opting for our “beloved” 4-5-1 I think Diaby will play in midfield instead of Vela. I predict a draw. There won’t be many goals untill the end of the game.
Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Silvestre- Clichy
Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri
Diaby
Bendtner
baaad start..we lack any sort of player who could just do something out of nothing. i always remember having TH14 in the team, even when we were down i had hope he would make something out of nothing
ffs bendtner…now will wenger see that he is just NOT GOOD ENOUGH for ARSENAL
1-0, but the mancs look like they could pull it back at any time. Another 45 boys, lets hold on.
I am a United fan and when nasri scored i would have thought that United will push on for an equaliser. That has not happened and Arsenal look like making it 2.
oops better eat some humble pie..nasri has the ability to do something out of nothing..pheeeww close at the end!
woo we won motm should go to nasri,fabregas or almunia!
Nasri was outstanding 2 day, all the boys worked hard, so glad we got the 2nd tho.
geeze gooner chris that match prediction was so harsh…glad u were proved wrong
And so am I.
Arsenal, if they continue like this they will win the title!