By Jake Glavies
Fabregas, Rooney, Bendtner, Berbatov and Gallas are just a few of the names that will highlight this weekend’s clash of Premier League heavyweights, as Manchester United travels to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.
Though there’s still a long road ahead – and a handful of teams vying for the top spot in the Premier League – the winner of the match could possibly be the one hoisting the league title at season’s end. A key match-up to watch will be the play of United’s defense against the Gunners attack, featuring Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin and, most likely, Nicklas Bendtner who fills in for van Persie and newly injured Eduardo.
Arsenal veteran Campbell to join Gallas on Defense/photo credit: Action Images
United will be without stalwart defender Rio Ferdinand, who received a four match ban Thursday for striking Hull City forward Craig Fagan during Manchester’s 4-0 win Sunday.
The defensive unit has been under fire lately and aside from bringing Chris Smalling in from Fulham – which won’t help the team’s cause until next season – Sir Alex Ferguson has done little to alleviate the problems at the back.
Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar will have to be at the top of his game, as Arsenal’s front line will surely put the pressure on him. But if his recent performances are any indication, the lanky Dutchman should be up to the test, recording 25 saves and four clean sheets – three of which have come in the last two months – in just seven league matches this season. The player to watch Sunday will be stationed in the opposite goal, though. Gunners’ keeper Manuel Almunia could be in for a world of hurt if William Gallas and Sol Campbell aren’t fit for the task of defending Wayne Rooney and the languid Dimitar Berbatov.
With a match too close to call on either end of the pitch, it may be up to the men in the middle to snatch a victory. Fielding one of the best midfield units in the Premier League, Arsenal will hold the advantage over United. Manchester was built from the ends in and if Sunday’s match turns into a battle at mid-field, the Red Devils are bound to fall apart after 90 minutes in London.
Who do you think has the edge?
Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas, EPL, Manchester United, Nicklas Bendtner, One Love Soccer, ONELOVE FC, Soccer
