Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford this weekend will be another instance of a battle between two teams where the recent form won’t be mattering much, at least according to the history of this fixture over the years. Arsene Wenger’s men do have momentum with them after some wonderful results in the Premier League but Manchester United away has always been a hurdle the Gunners have found very tough to jump over.
Despite spending huge amount of money in the summer again, United couldn’t translate their potential on to the pitch when it has mattered and this is why this fixture will be so crucial for both the teams with a win for either side likely to impart a massive boost in the confidence to attain their respective targets for the season. Let’s now discuss the key battles which will impact heavily the outcome of the game.
Mesut Ozil Vs Ander Herrera
Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil is now in his third year at Arsenal and so far he has not been able to make his mark at Old Trafford. The German will be desperate to change that and there’s a great opportunity in front of him to utilise the chance and elevate his fan following even further.
Ozil is the centre of creativity for the visitors and nullifying him will be high on the agenda of Jose Mourinho. The person assigned to do the job will be Ander Herrera, who has carried out the role in the midfield very well. Herrera who is deceptively strong in the tackle has previously been effective against the Gunners and will be looking to continue the trend.
Theo Walcott Vs Marco Rojo
Arsenal’s right winger Theo Walcott has been in top form this season scoring 5 goals in the league already, Walcott’s pace and drive down the right-hand channel has been extremely effective for Arsenal’s attack and a lot will depend on how Marco Rojo, the United left back will be able to fare against him.
Rojo, who himself is a player capable of defending his flank as well as providing the support in the attack with his forward runs would also need to be watched carefully by Walcott when United go into the attack. This would be a very important battle in which the teams need to come out on top.
Anthony Martial Vs Carl Jenkinson
Manchester United will feel very optimistic about this one as Anthony Martial will be looking to make full use of the weaknesses of Carl Jenkinson in the Arsenal right back position. Jenkinson has rarely looked convincing playing for the Gunners and on Saturday he will have a real battle on his hand trying to contain Martial from making inroads into the forward areas from the wide left-hand channel of the hosts.
With Hector Bellerin unavailable with an injury, Arsene Wenger would be hoping that Jenkinson is able to provide some sort of resistance and not perform as badly as he did on that cursed day at the same venue when the Gunners were humiliated as the hosts breached their defence 8 times in 90 minutes.
