Last year we suffered at the hands of the Red Devils losing both matches against them. The match at Old Trafford was a travesty as we really should have won the match. We dominated for long periods and took the lead only to be undone by two individual mistakes from Almunia and Diaby. I still cannot forget the Diaby own goal and often wondered how he did that. Nonetheless, let’s look forward to Monday.
We are top of the table but our performances are far from convincing. The same goes for Manchester United. Yes they are still unbeaten and coming off a convincing victory over Blackburn but that result is very much like Diaby’s own goal. It is a fluke. I have watched Manchester United this year and I personally think we have great chance this.
Although their attack can be devastating with the likes of Nani, Berbatov and Rooney, their defence like us, is still suspect. This is especially true for the fullbacks. Patrice Evra has not been the same since he came back from the World Cup debacle and on the other side, there is no recognized right back in the team since Gary Neville. I don’t think Gary will play but if he does, it is good news for us. He moves like a truck these days. So with our play very much attacking the flanks we do stand a great chance of opening their defence.
As for our team, we are almost back to full strength. Cesc might be back for the match but I don’t think he would start given our hectic fixture over the coming weeks. We are blessed with choices up front and if one player is not performing we can switched this around, like what Le Professor did with Arshavin and Walcott.
It is the defence that we are a bit short and weak at the moment. This is the worst kept secret currently and I am sure the opposition will attack us down the middle. Not sure who should partner Squillaci, now that Djourou is back on track. I am inching towards the Swiss given his performance against Wigan and Fulham but whoever it is, the midfield screen should be prepared to put in a hard day’s work.
Submitted by The Arsenal Kid
