Arsenal vs Manchester United - Competition: 2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 26
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom
Arsenal team enter their midweek clash with Man Utd in a state of
uncertainty after what had looked like an opportunity to expand their
league lead on Sunday against Liverpool, instead quickly turned into a
nightmare. After just 20 minutes of play, they had conceded 4 goals to
the ever-flowing Red attack, which was odd and unexpected considering
their great defensive record this year. With Mesut Ozil in
uncharacteristic poor form and injuries to two of the Gunners' top
scoring options-Walcott and Ramsey-perhaps this letdown was inevitable.
But the North London club will get an immediate opportunity to reverse
their fortunes on Wednesday when non-local rivals Man United visit the
Emirates Stadium. Good news comes in the form of young sensation Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain who has returned from injury in inspiring form and
may be handed the center midfield spot alongside Mikel Arteta. Tomas
Rosicky is also expected to start and word around the Gunner faithful is
he should be starting every game anyway. Furthermore, at home Arsenal
are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions, including 9
wins in that stretch, as well as going unbeaten in 11 league games
following their opening day loss to Aston Villa. They've also recorded
10 shutouts in their last 11 matches at home (all competitions).
Probable lineups Arsenal: Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Wilshere, Arteta – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla – Giroud.
Probable lineups Arsenal: Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Wilshere, Arteta – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla – Giroud.
Man United team can't
seem to catch a break. After coming from behind in typical fashion and
taking the lead from Fulham on Sunday 2-1, they managed to concede a
last minute header to drop more expected points. Their title race is all
but over and focus in the league will be on earning a top 4 finish,
which makes this game a must-result after seeing a 9-point gap made
between them and Liverpool. The arrival of Juan Mata in the transfer
window and the return of van Persie and Rooney from injury was supposed
to mean a turning point for David Moyes and Co., but it's been anything
but with a win, a draw, and a loss in their last 3 league games.
Furthermore, the Red Devils had been playing well away from Old Trafford
but have just lost their last 2 games on the road. The bright spot for
the Manchester club coming in is that Robin van Persie has scored every
game he has faced his old club in (3 goals in 3) plus the visitors are
unbeaten in their last 5 contests with Arsenal while winning 4 of those
matches. Fellaini, Nani, and Evans are out.
Probable lineups Manchester United: De Gea – Rafael , Smalling , Vidic , Evra – Carrick , Cleverley – Mata , Rooney, Januzaj – van Persie.
Head to Head:
Last Meeting: 10/11/2013, Manchester United - Arsenal 1:0
Wins Arsenal: 60 - Wins Manchester United: 76 - Draws: 40
Match date: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT - 20:45 CET
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Wins Arsenal: 60 - Wins Manchester United: 76 - Draws: 40
Match date: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT - 20:45 CET
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
