Even without the great Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal v Manchester United still tops the bill in terms of great sporting duels. Saturday will be no different as Louis Van Gaal will want to test his might against one of the best managers and teams in the World. the Dutch tactical mind is no stranger to the big occasions but his entourage to tomorrow's gig has a lot of gaping holes. One of the fiercest battles in Premier League history goes down on Saturday and Arsene Wenger can be confident of securing victory this time around.
The Arsenal have not had it rosy against the red devils in recent years. Aaron Ramsey's winner three years ago (a day before Osama Bin Laden met his end). Before then, it was 2008. If the trend is to be followed, they should emerge winners on Saturday but football is not about permutations and United won't be easy pickings. Mesut Ozil is still out until the new year but the return of Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta is a welcome development for the Gunners.
Manchester United were dealt a heavy blow during the international break as Daley Blind did his knee in the match v Latvia. The defensive midfielder who has been one of United's stand-out players this term, will miss at least 10 weeks of the remainder of the season. So far, it has been one of the most unfortunate seasons for the 20-time Champions and the woes don't look like they are going to discontinue soon. Phil Jones, Rafa Da Silva and Jonny Evans will sit out the fixture that has lost its buzz in recent years. due to the rise of Chelsea and the strong emergence of Manchester City. Paddy McNair may likely line up alongside Chris Smalling in defence. Michael Carrick should be fit to play in Blind's place and Ander Herrera may return after sitting out recent games due to the commendable displays of Marouane Fellaini over the last month. LVG may go for a three man midfield...or not.
Looking back at events that have taken place in years gone by, Arsenal -Manchester United has always been a spicy battle, a great, entertaining contest between two of the very best teams in the Country. From the Winterburn-McClair incident the 90-91 season, to the pizzagate in October 2004 to the several Vieira-Keane scuffles, it has always been a feisty affair. We don't expect something similar on Saturday but a beguiling engagement is anticipated.
Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez will face-off again in another big fixture after consistently going up against each other in EL CLASICO and ALBICELESTE-LA ROJA match ups. The big money signings from Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, have lived up to the billing but it is the Arsenal man who has excelled more with his match saving and game winning strikes. The Chilean class act has become indispensable at the Emirates. If current form is anything to go by, he is the most potent threat for the home side. There's also the small matter of DANNY WELBECK. The ex-United man is now leading the line for the North Londoners in a summer twist that left some United fans bewildered. The England man has been on sublime form for club and Country and is joint top scorer in European qualifying with five goals. He will leave no stone unturned in his quest to prove LVG and his erstwhile club wrong. In truth, this has come too soon for those who are still reeling at the decision to let Welbeck go. His replacement, Radamel Falcao has been plagued by calf injuries since he signed the dotted lines but there is light at the end of the tunnel as his goal scoring statistics can comfortably stand side by side with the very best in the business.
Football cannot wait to witness yet another episode in this suspense filled classic. Let the game begin
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@ohiskaka1990
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