Can the Red Devils strike down the Gunners?

Both managers will try to outsmart the other; you do not want to miss these rivals exploit each other’s weaknesses.

The two fierce rivals are to see each other tomorrow, Saturday, November 22, at the Emirates Stadium in London, following the raucous international break in the world of football. The Barclays Premier League has come to the progression by the tempestuous breeze of fixtures as the match day sees Arsenal against Manchester United in the race to the three points.

Following a slow start by Louis Van Gaal’s side, they have managed to bag two wins, one loss and two draws in their last five fixtures in the tournament. Arsenal, however, have a better record so far with three wins, a draw and one loss to Swansea, which accounts as their second defeat of the season.

Manchester United started off with appointing a new manager, Van Gaal, and a cash flow which assimilated major signings the likes of Angel Di Maria and a loan move of Radamel Falcao. They also have been adamant to revive their defensive vivacity after signing World Cup finalist Marcos Rojo, Dutch international Daley Blind and England international Luke Shaw. Their season set off following summer transfers which have proven to be effective. However, their defensive issues have not been settled because the new players, following the departure of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand, lack experience alongside a mount of injuries at their stake. The outstanding range has seen the likes of David De Gea, Rojo, Blind, Rafael da Silva, Phil Jones, Johnny Evans, Falcao, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard side-lined.

This international break, unfortunately, has proven to be unlucky for Manchester United because all the big names that usually appeared in the starting line-up have been ruled out ahead of a decisive game against Arsenal. The thriving goal keeper, De Gea, who has a strong tenacity, dislocated a finger during the international duty and now his contribution in the game ahead is doubtful. In spite of the languishing defence, Blind picked up a knee injury during the Netherlands versus Latvia fixture just 20 minutes into the game. He is reported to be out for four to six weeks. Further hindering the defensive diligence is, Rojo, who dislocated a shoulder during the United Derby and is also expected to return in four to six weeks. The latest injury is of Shaw during his appearance in the internationals as England limped off Scotland in a 3-1 win. He is now expected to be away during tomorrow’s fixture due to his hamstring injury. To add on, even though Silva is back in training, he still hasn’t been approved to play, and therefore, will not be part of the action on Sunday.

The limelight fixture sees a combination of prolific strikers and midfielders to come into play against each other. However, Manchester United, whose defensive side is already in shambles also see its attack force as tentatively weak. Falcao, who incepted a spark a day before the deadline of the transfer window to his loan move from AS Monaco, saw him bagging up goals for his new side. But he has been prone to problems in his calf and shin, and will not be available against Arsenal. Last but not least, Di Maria was fouled by Luis Nani in the Portugal versus Argentina fixture at Old Trafford, and his presence is reported to be doubtful due to the foot injury.

But all is not lost. This clash has previously seen vicious rivalries and an abundance of goals. Head-to-head, United has surpassed the Gunners in winning three of the last five face-offs. The match sees striker Robin van Persie, who has scored 41 goals so far as a Red Devil, to perform brilliantly as expectations are high from the Dutchman. Wayne Rooney, with 10 league goals, shares the record of most goals scored against the Gunners in Premier League history, with Robbie Fowler.

Arsenal, on the other side, has the consistency they had been longing for in the form of Alexis Sanchez with a blazing 12 goals in just 14 appearances in all tournaments for the club. And Danny Welbeck, who will play against his former club for the first time, will be a reliable option for Arsene Wenger.

Both managers will try to outsmart the other and the outcome will be fantastic. So clear out your schedule for 10:30pm (PST) because you do not want to miss these rivals exploit each other’s weaknesses.