Barclays Premier League
Wednesday 12 February, 2014
19:45 KO (BST)
Emirates Stadium, London (60,361)
Arsenal (2nd)
“We have just been on a 10-game unbeaten run. You cannot consider one game as the trend, the pattern of our season. In any season you have disappointments, it is always down to the team to respond in a very positive way, that decides the success of the team.” – Arsene Wenger.
“The way we performed at Anfield was just not good enough for this level. It was one of our worst setbacks of the season but now we have the opportunity to respond quickly against United – and we have to make sure we do that.” – Per Mertesacker.
Starting XI from: Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski; Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Nacho Monreal, Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny; Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Santiago Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Serge Gnabry, Rio Miyaichi, Lukas Podolski; Niklas Bendtner, Olivier Giroud, Yaya Sanogo
Doubts: n/a
Unavailable: Aaron Ramsey (knock), Theo Walcott (knee), Mathieu Flamini (suspension), Thomas Vermaelen (calf), Kim Källström (back), Abou Diaby (knee)
Top scorer: Olivier Giroud (10)
Most assists: Mesut Özil (8)
Home record: P12 W9 D2 L1 F22 A6 Pts29
Home form: W D D W W W
United (7th)
“We’ll always try to get a good result against them. We got a good result against them at Old Trafford earlier on in the season and we’ll try to do the same again. We are a top side and hopefully we’ll go and show that. We’ll play well and do everything we can to pick up all three points.” – David Moyes.
“It has been a tough season and we are not in a very good position in the league. It isn’t for the want of trying. It is not a case of not caring. We care just as much, if not more, than anybody else.” – Michael Carrick.
“Players often do well against their old clubs and Robin (van Persie) has three goals in three games against Arsenal. Hopefully he keeps that run going on Wednesday.” – Louis Saha.
“The way to carry on is to stick together, the team and the fans, learn from mistakes and be positive, and we will show the character this team has always had.” – Juan Mata.
Starting XI from: David de Gea, Anders Lindegaard; Rafael da Silva, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Alex Büttner, Patrice Evra; Antonio Valencia, Adnan Januzaj, Ashley Young, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa, Juan Mata; Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie
Doubts: Rio Ferdinand (knee), Marouane Fellaini (groin), Phil Jones (concussion)
Unavailable: Nani (hamstring), Jonny Evans (calf)
Top scorer: Robin van Persie (10)
Most assists: Wayne Rooney (9)
Away record: P12 W6 D2 L4 F23 A19 Pts20
Away form: D W W W L L
Away record vs Arsenal: P102 W27 D18 L 57 F130 A204
Last five meetings at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal 1-1 United (28-04-13)
Arsenal 1-2 United (22-01-12)
Arsenal 1-0 United (01-05-11)
Arsenal 1-3 United (31-01-10)
Arsenal 1-3 United (05-05-09)
Officials
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
The 38-year-old official has taken charge of 17 Premier League fixtures so far this season, dishing out 58 yellow cards and a single red card. He has awarded 3 penalties, including one to Arsenal on his last visit to the Emirates stadium. Was last seen by United fans during the 1-0 win over Liverpool in the league Cup back at the end of September.
Assistants: Mike Mullarkey, Darren Cann.
Fourth Official: Lee Mason.
Notes
Wayne Rooney looks set to make his 25th appearance versus the Gunners. He has scored 10 goals against them so far.
United have won 10, drawn 2 and lost just 1 of the last 13 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
Arsenal have won 6 of their last 8 Premier League home matches 2-0.
United have beaten Arsenal 20 times in the Premier League era – the most defeats the Gunners have suffered against any side.
Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates since an opening day defeat to Aston Villa.
United have kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 15 league fixtures away from home.
Arsenal have conceded just 1 goal at home in the last 8 Premier League matches.
Robin van Persie have scored in the last 5 meetings between the 2 sides – the last 3 matches for United.
Juan Mata has scored in his last 4 starts against Arsenal.
Arsenal 11/10 Draw 12/5 United 5/2
RedMancunian predictions
Jack (@jackkholt): Arsenal 2-2 United
Craig (@CraigNorwood): Arsenal 1-1 United
Sam (@CenterSneak): Arsenal 6-0 United
Jay (@RFFH): Arsenal 3-1 United
Nick (@ManUnitedYouth): Arsenal 4-2 United
Mark(@mdhzk3): Arsenal 2-1 United
Andy (@andy_thomo): Arsenal 4-0 United
One reply on “MATCH PREVIEW: Arsenal vs Manchester United”
Bet this is the team that will play
De gear
Rafael Evans vidic evra
Mata giggs Carrick janujaz
Rooney RVP
ozil who has been so quite recently will have a field day through the middle!
Arsenal will win if that’s the team that plays
Back 4 I don’t like… not an Evans fan, I prefer
Rafael smelling (Jones if fit or vidic) evra
Midfield I would prefer:
Carrick/Fletcher/giggs holding
Mata Kagawa janujaz
Rooney RVP
5 men focus on attack… 5 men focus on supporting attack and defending
Basically a versatile 4-4-2