Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United will host Arsene Wenger and Arsenal today in week three of the English Premier League. The match will be United’s second at Old Trafford; their first was a 3-0 victory over the Gunners bitter North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners are coming off a Premier League home loss to Liverpool FC. However, during the week, Arsenal sealed a place in the UEFA Champions League group stages with a 2-1 win versus Udinese in Udin, Italy (3-1 on aggregate).
Probable Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Cleverley, Young, Rooney, Welbeck.
Arsenal: Szeczny, Jenkinson, Djourou, Vermaelen, Sagna, Ramsey, Traore, Walcott, Rosicky, Arshavin, Van Persie.
Banned
Manchester United: none
Arsenal: Song, Gervinho, and Frimpong
Injuries
Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia, and Rafael da Silva
Arsenal: Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshire, Nicklas Bendtner, and Sebastien Squillaci
Team News
Manchester United are seeking a perfect start through the first three games of their 2011-12 English Premier League campaign. Red Devils central midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named to the match-day squad by Sir Alex Ferguson. Fletcher did not play in any of United’s preseason games this summer, but was recently featured in the United reserves in two 90 minute appearances.
What does Fletcher’s return mean for Tom Cleverley? Well, Cleverley may feature in less games, but he will still get opportunities. Fergie has been known to switch up his lineups more than any other manager in the Premier League, essentially giving equal opportunities for every player to win a position in United’s starting XI.
Arsenal will be playing without Alexander Song, Gervinho, and Emmanuel Frimpong, meaning their midfield will be quite handicapped. Can the Gunners overcome their bans and injuries at Old Trafford? Surely the Gunners won’t be fully able to cope with United’s attacking player, but they may be able to steal a point with a stout defensive display. Will they? Highly doubtful, but they can if they play a near perfect game at the back.
Players to watch
Manchester United: David de Gea
The 20-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has been criticized for each and every one of his first three performances as a United player. Oddly enough, the Red Devils have won all those games. De Gea should be roaring with confidence following his first clean-sheet with Manchester United in his debut at Old Trafford. The fans were extremely supportive towards the Spaniard, who looked more sure-handed than he was in United’s first two games away from home.
Arsenal: Carl Jenkinson
The 19-year-old Finnish international will face his toughest task to date when facing the likes of Ashley Young, Nani, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welbeck. For a youngster who was playing non-league football last season, Jenkinson has been quite impressive to say the least. However, Young and Nani should get the better of the Gunners right-back throughout this fixture.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 over Arsenal
In a game that will be more competitive than most people think, United will once again edge out a victory versus the Gunners.
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