I know that Arsene Wenger has suggested that his Arsenal team that will face Manchester United in the Premier League today will consist of some young players who need playing opportunities, as there is little riding on the outcome at Old Trafford, I would be surprised if we did not see a pretty strong side selected by the Frenchman.
There may not be a lot riding on today’s match in term of league points or position, but there are other reasons for the Gunners to treat this game as a very important one indeed. One of these is the desire of Wenger to get one over on his old tormentor Jose Mourinho and for his Arsenal side to strike a final blow against the old enemy United.
Personally I think that Wenger’s talk of youngsters may well be a ploy to pull the wool over Maureen’s eyes. I certainly hope so and I hope it works, because the players could do with a boost after the disappointing draw against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
Along with the extra confidence that a good result in Manchester today will give the Gunners ahead of the crucial trip to Spain next week, I believe that this game could be the perfect way to prepare for what will come. In Mourinho’s United we have a team that will try not to9 concede first and foremost.
Of course Jose will want to give his old sparring partner one last bloody nose but his style of play is based on a strong defence, just like Atletico boss Diego Simeone. United’s position in the EPL table also means they do not really have to win to secure second place, just as Atl;etico will be happy with a 0-0 on Thursday.
So with Arsenal needing a strong attacking performance away to a strong defensive team, could today be the ideal way for us to prepare?
Bob.