See why we think the Gunners will be victorious this weekend…
Arsenal are favourites to beat Manchester United on Saturday evening, and we think the bookies are right.
Here are the five key reasons the Gunners should comfortably beat their great rivals this weekend.
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5) Anders Lindegaard In Goal
At this point, it’s not clear who will play in goal for United. David de Gea has not been definitely ruled out after dislocating a finger in training with Spain this week. Anders Lindegaard played in a specially organised friendly behind closed doors on Tuesday, indicating United fear their Spanish stopper won’t be fit.
De Gea has saved his side in several games this season, making stunning saves to deny both Everton and Crystal Palace points in recent weeks. Without him, United are significantly weaker, and his absence should swing the game in Arsenal’s favour.
4) Man United’s Injuries
De Gea is by no means the only player the Red Devils will be missing. Daley Blind and Michael Carrick both injured themselves on international duty, and both Luke Shaw and Angel di Maria picked up knocks. Marcos Rojo, Rafael, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are all confirmed out – and that’s just in defence!
3) Arsenal’s pace up front
The North London side are not without their own injury problems, but the makeshift Man United defence they will be up against will not be able to cope with the extraordinary pace of their front line.
With Olivier Giroud out, Arsene Wenger’s attack will likely include Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, with Theo Walcott available on the bench. The sheer speed of this attack will be devastating against United on the counter.
2) Danny Welbeck’s Revenge
Players always seem to score against their old clubs, and Welbeck will be especially motivated to grab a goal against the team he left in the summer.
Having been at Old Trafford since boyhood, the 23-year-old was kicked out to make room for superstar Radamel Falcao. Since moving to the Emirates Stadium, the striker has been allowed to play through the middle, and has been in hot form. Expect this to continue on Saturday evening.
1) Alexis Sanchez’s Amazing Form
Arsenal have been very poor at times this season, but one man has consistently bailed them out. Sanchez has outstripped even the highest expectations of his performances, scoring crucial goals to save the Gunners in game after game.
If Wenger’s men can keep things tight and get the ball to the Chilean genius, they know that he will make things happen. United will have their plans to stop him – but they won’t be able to.