Arsenal vs MU : Can The Gunner's Keep The Title Race Alive?

♠ Posted by kayrozz in Glory United,Manchester United,MU,MU Fixtures,MU News,Setan Merah at 12:54 PM

(Alex Ferguson will mastermind another win over Wenger..op cozzz!!)

It will not have escaped your notice that yesterday, London played host to a wedding. Indeed, an estimated two billion people across the globe are thought to have watched HRH Prince William marry Kate Middleton. While it’s probable that slightly fewer people will tune in, there’s no denying that tomorrow’s meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United will be infinitely more watchable. As Alex Ferguson has said, there’s still drama ahead, and with four games to go, the curtain is well and truly up on what promises to be a fascinating end to the season.

A dismal few weeks have seen Arsenal flirting with greatness, only to fluff their lines whenever questions have been asked of them. Having been held to a draw at White Hart Lane in midweek and beaten by Bolton on Sunday, only a twist of fairytale proportions can grant them any silverware this season. The Gunners now sit six points behind their opponents, with Chelsea in between, ready to crash the party should Arsenal overthrow Alex Ferguson’s men.

United, meanwhile have been majestic. In midweek they put Schalke 04 to the sword without breaking a sweat, and last weekend showed the necessary desire to win the title by snatching a late winner against Everton in the final act with Javier Hernandez on cue to put them six points clear at the top.

Despite the loss against Bolton, Arsene Wenger looks likely to name an unchanged side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. While they may feel aggrieved at having spurned several gilt-edged chances against Bolton, they are unlikely to get much joy out of a United defence that has conceded only 3 goals in the last 9 appearances. Walcott, Fabregas and Nasri will have to pick their battles carefully, and exploit the relatively inexperienced right-back Fabio if they are to unlock United’s back line.

Robin van Persie’s battle however is likely to be more psychological. Nemanja Vidic has a remarkable habit of getting himself sent off in games such as these, and if the Dutchman can get under his skin, as he has done in the past, it may well pay dividends. With Rio Ferdinand unlikely to play a third full game in a week, his understudy Chris Smalling will also have to be alert to keep van Persie at bay. Of major concern to Arsenal fans will be their below-par home form of late. Their last three home games have all been draws, and the one time they have managed to score was from the penalty spot.

At the other end of the field, United’s forward line will be relishing the thought of playing against an Arsenal defence guilty of leaking seven goals in their last four outings. Thomas Vermaelen is still recovering from injury, so Johan Djourou will partner Laurent Koscielny at centre half. Djourou has been culpable of naive mistakes of late, not least the – albeit harsh – 98^th minute penalty he conceded against Liverpool.

As Wayne Rooney is back to his irresistible best, Koscielny, along with the defensive midfield duo of Song and Wilshere will have to protect Djourou if they are to keep a clean sheet. They are unlikely to be able to shield him too much though, with Hernandez, Nani and Valencia all high on confidence, having had outstanding seasons.

The stage then, is set. A truly enthralling 90 minutes await. While the royal wedding is over, there’s a coronation just around the corner, and while United are first in line, Arsenal will do all they can to usurp them to the throne.

Credit : [footymatters]