Arsenal
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Midfield’s battle to influence final result
After an uninspiring display against Southampton at the St Mary’s stadium, last weekend, Manchester United manager José Mourinho is presently preparing his players for another epic showdown against Arsenal later tonight.
The Red Devils have put up lacklustre displays since August but the former Premier League Champions will be hoping to maintain their favourable record against the Gunners later in the day.
Mourinho’s men have always dominated their opponent in previous fixtures, especially at Old Trafford, hence, the Portuguese boss would be hoping to claim maximum points.
As for Arsenal, Unai Emery’s team are in confident mood heading into the encounter as they are yet to record any defeat after 19 games in all competitions.
The former Paris St-German manager has brought a new breath of hope and happiness to the Emirates Stadium and he would be looking forward to defeating the Red Devils at the Theater of Dreams.
Having played three top six clubs this season, the Gunners won just one and that was Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
It should be recalled that Chelsea and Manchester City defeated the North London outfits in their first and second game of the season.
Midfield’s battle to play a key role
Manchester United have very physical players at the middle of the pitch and they will be willing to perform to their very best against their greatest rivals.
Except Mourinho does the unexpected, Paul Pogba will lead the club’s midfield setup.
Though the Frenchman was easily dispossessed by Southampton players during their 2-2 draw on Saturday, Pogba remains an integral part of Mourinho’s team.
The Portuguese manager will surely rely on the former Juventus man to be at his best when he comes up against Lucas Torreira.
It yet to be seen whether Nemanja Matic will be given the nod to start ahead of Scott McTominay and Fred.
The Serbian international is surely going to have a very busy day trying to stop Mesut Ozil and Lucas Torreira from taking charge of the middle.
Whoever takes control of the midfield between both clubs have a great chance of picking maximum points as they will create more goalscoring chances.
Should Arsenal’s midfielders – which will be led by Mesut Ozil – dominate their rivals, Aubameyang and Lacazette will see much of the ball and that will surely lead to many goals because both strikers are in deadly goalscoring form.
Though Lukaku, Sanchez, Rashford are not in fine form, no one can confidently predict that they won’t score many goals if regularly given the ball.
Anthony Martial is in fine goalscoring form, expect him to wreak havoc at the course of the encounter as long as he sees much of the ball.
Therefore, should United win the midfield battle, United equally stand a better chance of defeating the Gunners later tonight
