Arsenal vs Manchester United: Preview

Sunday 4pm, Emirates Stadium

Arsenal 2.70 Draw 3.25 Man United 2.62

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Two sides with extensive injury lists, two clubs desperate for the points.

For Arsenal, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson, Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs all remain sidelined, while Thomas Vermaelen retains an outside hope of taking part.

Manchester United are without Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher for the rest of the season, while Tom Cleverly is still some weeks away from a return. Anders Lindegaard retains his place in goal as David De Gea considers eye surgery.

This is always a difficult fixture to call. Manchester United will doubtless arrive in London seeking a victory, and as such you can expect Wayne Rooney to be partnered up front by Javier Hernandez – likewise, Paul Scholes will probably start; possession at the Emirates is key.

On the basis the Ignasi Miquel will continue as a makeshift left-back, his battle with Nani will be key. The Portuguese likes this fixture, and will fancy his chances on that right-hand side. Miquel doesn’t need to nullify his opposite man, merely delay him long enough for a teammate to provide assistance and to encourage the more over-indulgent aspects of Nani’s game. The Manchester United winger is at his best when he’s able to deliver quickly, stopping that supply line is crucial to Arsenal chances. Don’t let him duck in field, don’t let him get in behind – simple objectives.

Since Ashley Young’s form evaporated, United have been short of a left-sided attacking threat. Yes, Nani can be deployed there when Antonio Valencia is preferred on the right, but by and large there’s not been any natural width on that flank. With the pacey threat of Theo Walcott, you’d imagine that Alex Ferguson will favour Ji-Sung Park(f/g) because of the defensive assistance he can give to Patrice Evra. Who knows though, Ferguson loves to spring a surprise.

Having watched Arsenal against Swansea last week, the frailty of the side is hard to ignore. Defensively, still, this is a team lacking in confidence – and also ill-equipped to deal with movement between the midfield and forward lines. Worrying, considering Wayne Rooney’s(f/g) fondness for drifting into those kind of positions. That may be the difference between the two teams – Rooney’s link-play versus the comparative isolation of Robin Van Persie(f/g).

Manchester United 2-1.