If there is one time that Arsene Wenger can really turn around his record against Jose Mourinho, it should be this one. The Portuguese has almost all his major threats out of the squad when they host Arsenal this weekend and on top of that, they are really not in a terrific vein of form. On the other hand, with players like Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil in the form of their life, Arsenal could run riot at Old Trafford like they did at the Emirates last season.
But Arsenal have been one of the favourite opponents both for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United and have often tasted defeat at Old Trafford even on their best days. Even when David Moyes was United boss and the team was going through a very poor phase, United managed to beat Arsenal with an average team. The same was the case last season as well when United beat the Gunners with a young squad.
Hence, even if most of the odds are against United overpowering Arsenal, there is every chance it might happen. For Mourinho, it could well be one of his new recruits that can do the trick, who otherwise has been silent so long.
Here are 3 players T4O thinks could foil Arsenal’s chance to go top of the table early on Saturday.
Paul Pogba
Height and strength have always been a concerning issue for the Gunners and Mourinho has on more than one occasion used them to his advantage against Wenger. However, with Zlatan Ibrahimović and Marouane Fellaini missing, the aerial threat is more or less negligible this time. But in comes Pogba, United’s star signing.
The French man has been largely ineffective so far with very little influence on the game. But, we all know what he is capable of. Those venomous shots, midfield dominance with his towering physicality and drive could expose Arsenal. You never know.
Anthony Martial
Now Martial couldn’t have been a major concern for Arsenal if Hector Bellerin was fit. But as fate will have it, the Spaniard is out until early December with an ankle injury and his position is expected to be filled by Carl Jenkinson. Jenkinson is a conventional defender, who has a good height and weight to stop opponents from driving their way past in. But he might find himself clueless when opposed to Martial’s tricks and turns in the left flank and Arsenal could already be one goal down before they know it.
Wayne Rooney
Now, the England international is a doubt for the game and may or may not play the game. But if fate is to be believed, Rooney could very well play and even score in the game as he has done so many times against Arsenal.
He has played 32 matches against Arsenal in his career out which he has won 17 scoring 14 goals and bagging 7 assists. The forward will possibly be deployed up front and tends to rise to the occasion when he sees players bearing the Arsenal crest on their chest as his opponents.
