Arsenal host Manchester United on Jan. 22. Both clubs have been struggling of late as the Gunners lost their last two matches Although United won their last match against Bolton, they lost the previous two against Newcastle United and Blackburn.
The biggest talking point heading into the match is the 8-2 drubbing United put on the Gunners earlier in the season. However, that painful loss for Arsenal may have salvaged their season. Immediately after that game, Arsenal went out and bought quality players, most notably Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker. Arsenal has certainly been a much better side, even with some recent slip-ups.
Playing at home, I expect to see a side competing with a United team that doesn't look as strong as they did at the beginning of the season. Although Arsenal may still have some issues at the back, they are still capable of winning this game. They may even get a boost in the back-line with Thomas Vermaelen possibly returning. Most likely, the same back four as last weekend will be present with Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the middle and Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel as the outside backs.
Andrei Arshavin, whose had lackluster effort this season should start again with Theo Walcott on the other flank. Robin van Persie will no doubt be the striker and Arsenal will need a big game from him to secure all three points.
One issue for the Gunners could certainly be in the center of midfield. Arteta will miss out with a calf injury. Alex Song should start in his usual defensive midfielder role and Aaron Ramsey will likely also start, but he really needs a rest. He has been looking jaded the last few games. However, with no Jack WIlshere back and Arteta injured it is increasingly harder to rest him. I would also expect Yossi Benayoun to start in a big game like this with the experience he has.
The United attack will put the Gunners defense in tremendous pressure with Wayne Rooney. Also, United's wingers will torture Djourou and the inexperienced Miquel as well as the Arsenal defense needing to shake off the memory of the last time the sides met. Although it isn't the starting back four, many Arsenal fans will want to see, I still have hope they can get the job done.
It won't be an easy match for the Gunners, but it will certainly not be the same showing as it was in Old Trafford. However, I expect a hard fought game and a much more even score line. A win for the Gunners would be a huge result and could certainly springboard them into success for the second half of this season.
Matthew Levine is an avid Arsenal fan that has followed them since the 2005-2006 season. He spent a year studying in the UK and made routine trips to The Emirates as well as watching Arsenal in other Premier League grounds.
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