Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview, predicted line up and score by KJ
This international break was probably the least annoying of all the ones we’ve had so far. Most fans were pretty annoyed at our last result and this has given us ample time to distance ourselves from the result and the performance and this has no doubt rejuvenated our hope that we can actually start playing good football again.
Unfortunately, we face Manchester United and there is a lot of doubt going into this game. We have notoriously struggled against any United side ever since the move to the Emirates and our record sits at 1 win in our last 14 matches against them. It is complete domination. Fergie even outlined his tactics on how he had us beat for his final years and if Van Gaal decided to flick through the book any time this week, he’ll probably have us beat as well.
It’s a shame that we are still that predictable but Wenger won’t change and we just have to hope we can outplay them. Alexis is still in form and Chamberlain is also hitting a decent patch. We also have Jack back as well as Ramsey and Arteta. We will need big games from both Jack and Aaron if we are to control the game. If we manage to do that, we may have a chance at actually winning it.
Predicted Line up:
Szczesny
Chambers – Mertesacker – Monreal – Gibbs
Chamberlain – Arteta – Ramsey – Wilshere
Alexis – Welbeck
Wenger has experimented a lot with the formations but I think we’ll see some sort of variation of the 4-4-2. The important part is that Alexis plays central as he’s causing a lot of problems for the opposition and tends to score the opening or winning goal at the moment.
Wilshere might play slightly out of position but his form is so good that I don’t expect that to affect him too much.
Ramsey really needs to step up massively. He has been shambolic on the ball and seems completely disillusioned on how he should be playing the game. A complete contrast to last season.
I expect Di Maria and Rooney to really run at Monreal when they can so Arteta and Ramsey will need to be diligent with runners and to ensure that Monreal has the appropriate protection.
This is going to be very difficult game and I can only see it ending in a disappointing 1-1 draw.