Over the years, this fixture has mellowed quite abit and that is largely because the London club has been undergoing a period of drought as far as trophies are concerned (it's not to suggest that this period has ended though). The thing is, you're a friend of Sir Alex if he deems your team has posing no threat to our trophy (the EPL). The vice versa is true. All he regards as threats are the enemy straight away.
Now Arsenal have started the season in a style that can only be likened to their all star team of 2004. Their newly adapted 4-3-3 formation allows them the freedom of the park and there is nothing as dangerous as an Arsenal team that is given the freedom to express itself. So without going any further, the first point has been made--Fergie needs to appoint another 'Phil Neville'. Gary's brother did such a good job on Antonio Reyes in 'that' fixture that ended Arsenal's unbeaten run. Fletcher is therefore a 'must-start' in this one.
Now, the worst thing about this fixture is that it rarely goes according to form. The team that is deemed the 'underdog' in this one usually wins it. It's a stat that often goes unnoticed but it counts. Unfortunately, this time round, it has come too early for me to predict who the 'underdog' is. It's also too early to tell which side is on form, but given Arsenal's flawless start to the season, they appear as the team on song. United are yet to really get going this term and we hardly know which midfield will turn up tomorrow.
I've seen many predicted line-ups to this fixture but I doubt they have the midfield pair right. Ryan Giggs has not kicked a ball for United since Burnley so you think that the manager was saving him for this one. Sir Alex has this habit of going for experience in such ties.
Arsenal got four points from us last season so you think that United should do better this time round. I've said it before and I will say it again. Our home record has won us the title for the last three years so hopefully we keep that going.
United should have everyone available save for Rio, Hargo, Rafael and Edwin.
Foster will continue to deputise for Edwin and I think this will finally show us if he is over the nervousness he showed at Wembly. Arsenal have developed a formula of scoring many goals from set pieces this season so he'll have to be at his best to keep out the likes of Gallas--who is their top scorer this season!
Labels: PREVIEWS
