What a sensational high we’re on coming into this crunch game with title rivals, Arsenal. I don’t think we really could be coming off the back of a better result then the win over City in the Carling Cup. Arsenal have been on good form this season, but something tells me that we’re going to put “The United Effect” on them as it were as we have done so many times before. Big game for our season and hopefully we’ll be coming away from London with a valuable three points thanks to a great display from Fergie’s Red Army! 

Last Time Out

Incredible!! We were going out, then we were going through and then extra time and then Wayne Rooney, the man of the moment, nodded in a world class cross from Ryan Giggs; sending City out of the Carling Cup at the semi-final stage, sending the fans into the raptures, booking our place in the final at Wembley and last, but by no means least…the continuation of the City Ticker at the Stretford End. 34 years.. **** all! Wonderful game filled with everything, crunching challenges, great shots, great saves, wonderful pieces of skill and most of all, another (late) winner against Carlos “I want more money” Tevez & Man City.

Our Line Up

Van Der Sar

Brown Ferdinand Evans Evra

Valencia Scholes Carrick Fletcher Nani

Rooney

I’m pleased with the back 5 of Van Der Sar, Brown, Rio, Evans and Evra. They’ve been solid and the return of Rio and Ediwn has been fantastic for the side. Rafael won’t start despite scoring at the Emirates last season, as I think Ferguson will opt for the experience of Wes Brown at right back, and its what I’d be inclined to go for as well.

As with all the big games away from home, and even at home sometimes, Ferguson plays five in the middle to constrict the play of the opposition. Its worked brilliantly at times, failed horribly on other occasions. Valencia will be a threat on the right side, and due to his last two performances, I’d give Nani a start. He’s been good in his last two game, so it would give us a chance to see how good he is against top opposition. In the middle, Scholes was super against City so I’d love to see him play and Carrick along with Fletcher are great at breaking up the play.

So with that formation, it leaves the man of the moment, Wayne Rooney spearheading the United attack alone. Not ideal, but with the form he’s in, he’s capable of destroying the Arsenal defence all alone.

Key Devil

Only one man really these days. Rooney is key to our chances and he knows it too. He’s got a decent record against Wenger’s men and I fancy him to bang in a goal on Sunday! Big game player and this should suit him perfectly! Rooney has begun scoring very important goals which will only add to his goalscoring ability. Getting better and better as the season goes on!

The Opposition

Arsenal have put up a traditional fight for the league this season again, but as was the story of the past few, I see them fading away as the season comes to a close. Coming into this game on the back of a surprise 3-1 defeat to Stoke City in the FA Cup, Arsenal are unbeaten in the League since Chelsea tonked them 3-0 at the Emirates in late November. This game with United also starts a run of massive games for Arsenal as they face; Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Porto within a 3 week period. Tough stuff. Arsenal are just 1 point behind us at the moment and have won 82% of their home games in the League this season so far. Van Persie’s absence is massive for them, but with Arshavin and Fabregas in their side, we have to be wary. They’ve also scored in their last 5 home games.

Keano’s History Lesson

The sides have met 35 times in the Premier League and United edge it at the moment with 14 wins to their name, Arsenal with 10. In three League visits to the Emirates, United have never won, a 2-2 draw being their best result to date. The last time United beat Arsenal away from home in the League was back in 2005 at Highbury when we saw Roy Keane and Patrick Viera set the tone in the tunnel prior the kick-off. Its been a while since we beat the Gunners on their own patch!

Keano’s Verdict

Tight game. With world class players on show both sides will have chances so its a matter of who will take their chances. Rooneys form could well make that chance fall to us, and I’m going to go for a very tight…

Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United

Written by Keano