Arsenal v Manchester United: Absolutely United Preview

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
21 Jan	4:00 PM	P	Manchester United (H)	2	1	Win

This article is from Absolutely United editor Nigel.

Revenge will be on Sir Alex's mind when United take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later today.

Last September's home defeat at the hands of the Gunners was a rare disappointment in a season of scintillating performances and personal milestones.

United were not just beaten, they were humiliated. Arsenal's midfield wove patterns at Old Trafford rarely seen by a Premiership side. Surprisingly for a United team managed by Ferguson, too many United players stood off their opponents allowing them time to play, as if paralysed by fear or admiration.

It was United's worst performance of the season and the result of Fergie's tactical miscalculation. United win ugly against Arsenal. Fierce tackling and constant harrying have proved successful in the past. Allowing the Gunners the time to establish their rhythm and the space to play lacerating triangles, invites disaster. That mistake won't be made at the Emirates. The manager will be mindful of the possibility of United going nine points in front of Chelsea following the champions loss to Liverpooland will be confident as his team will arrive for the game in top form.

At full strength, the sides are evenly matched. Both defences look reasonably solid, so control of the midfield will be decisive in determining the game's outcome. Sir Alex will probably start with the now trusted midfield pairing of Scholes and Carrick and will rely on their excellence to gain the ascendancy over the home side, especially as the Gunners strength in the centre will be depleted by the absence through suspension of Gilberto Silva.

The manager will have noted media reports of the training injury suffered by van Persie, which could put him out of action for a week. But Sir Alex will also know that dangerman Emanuel Adebayore waits in the wings for a recall. The player looked a wastrel when the teams met last autumn but defender Rio Ferdinand rates the Togo hitman as his most difficult opponent of the season.

Arsenal's Cup demolition of Liverpool and that goal against Blackburn, showed that Arsène Wenger's troops will test to the limit United's title credentials. But the visitors have a score to settle and in Ronaldo, Rooney, Saha, Solskjaer and Larsson, United possess match winners capable of shooting down the Gunners.

Arsenal versus United is a Premiership classic, stirring the passions because of the rivalry of the managers and a recent history of cheek by jowl competition. A draw will suit neither team. If Ronaldo hits top form and Rooney fires like the canon of old, United should win.

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