Arsenal’s fine run of form in the league will be challenged by Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough on Saturday at the Emirates. After winning their last 6 games in the Premier League, the Gunners are expected to grab three more points at home on Saturday with their opponents having already suffered four losses in their last six games staying winless during the period.
Nevertheless, if things fall into place, the visitors are more than capable of holding their own against strong opposition and despite the run of form, the Riverside club can provide some challenge for the hosts in the weekend. Let’s take a look at some of the key battles which will decide the outcome of the tie.
Theo Walcott Vs George Friend
Theo Walcott has been a player rejuvenated this season with his new sense of discipline and work rate. The winger has already scored 5 goals and assisted two more in his 8 Premier League games and has started each of them.
Much of Arsenal’s attack is now influenced by the movement and the direct threat he provides down the right-hand channel and it won’t be any different on Saturday. To counter the threat of Walcott, Karanka and Middlesbrough would be relying on their most impressive performer of the season in George Friend who has been very solid in his left back position.
Friend’s ability to intercept passes and tackle threats successfully would be tested against the 27-year old Englishman and this exciting battle would have an effect in the way the game would pan out.
Alexis Sanchez Vs Daniel Ayala
Alexis Sanchez has had a strange knack of turning up with the goals even when he has not been able to make inroads against deep lying defences this season. Middlesbrough are a team which emphasise on its defensive structure and once again they would aim to suffocate space in behind with a deep defensive block.
Arsenal’s Chilean forward Alexis has not got much joy playing against that structure but has still been able to grab the goals owing to the fluidity of movement shown by the other attackers. Boro’s Daniel Ayala thus would need to be at the top of his game to prevent any such situations which might create spaces for Alexis to exploit and it will be an interesting battle to experience.
Cristhian Stuani Vs Nacho Monreal
Boro’s biggest threat in the attack will come from the wide right in the form of the Uruguayan attacker in Stuani. The attacking midfielder will aim to have a go at Nacho Monreal and if possible double up on him to get some decent deliveries into the box for their front-man to work with.
So far, Alex Iwobi has not provided much support in the defensive phase to his fullback which is one area Karanka will hope to exploit and Boro’s top scorer Stuani can prove to be dangerous if Monreal is unable to stop him from making progress down his flank. It thus can turn out to be a very vital contest on Saturday.
