Manchester United will welcome Arsenal to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Old Trafford on 3rd November, 2012. The game is scheduled to commence at 1245 GMT.
Arsenal’s previous visit will still give each Arsenal player and Arsene Wenger nightmares as the Gunners were convincingly thrashed 8-2. Arsenal will be cautious to ensure that such a disaster does not take place again, but do not forget they conceded 5 goals just a couple of days back against relegation candidates Reading.
Now that, once upon a time Arsenal legend Robin van Persie is now a Manchester United player will give this fixture all the more importance as it is in this game that Arsenal can prove to RvP that they have moved on.
Midweek hat-trick hero Theo Walcott is in contention for a starting place as Gervihno is out due to an ankle injury. Jack Wilshere was rested mid-week and could start this game alongside
Arteta and Cazorla in what looks like a very strong midfield. Podolski has had a good run with the Gunners and will be looking to score a few and prove to the fans that he is the perfect choice to fill the void created by RvP’s exit.
Manchester United has created Old Trafford into a fortress and it will not be easy for Arsenal to beat them. United’s RvP is the league’s top scorer with 7 league goals and he will be looking to thump in a couple more. This game will bring in a lot of pressure on him as does every game you play against your older club.
Rafael has been one of the best defenders on the counter. He has registered ten shots on goal and on two occasions he has netted the ball. Chris Smalling and Ashley Young trained with the first team and could play a small part in this game though none of them look like starting just yet. Kagawa and Vidic are still out injured.
Both the teams have defensive issues and this game could prove to be another goal fest.
Form Guide (all competitions): Manchester United: L,W,W,W,W Arsenal: W,W,L,L,W
Predicted starting line-ups:
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Cleverly, Valenica, Rooney, Welbcck and Robin van Perise.
Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertersacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Cazorla, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott and Podolski.
My Prediction: Manchester United’s Robin van Persie to score a late winner in a 1-0 victory for the home side.