Man Utd V Arsenal

Perhaps the greatest rivalry in the EPL, these two are the best managers in the game. Both have command absolute respect and control, and achieved great things with their respective clubs.

Arsenal has had a disappointing (relatively) campaign, and lost recently in the FA semi-finals against Chelsea with a controversial team selection from Wenger. With only the Champions League left and fourth spot cemented, Arsenal will be looking to reach the finals of the Champions League for only the second time in the club's history.

Manchester United on the other hand go into the clash as favorites. With the league pretty much wrapped up, will look to be the first team in the competition history to retain the trophy.

Played 37; Manchester United - 14 wins; Arsenal - 15 wins; Draws - 8

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Manchester United V Arsenal: Wednesday April 29, 2009

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Kick off: 1945 BST; 1445 EST

Arsenal Team News:
Plagued by injuries, Arsenal are missing a good chunk of their defense. Young full back Gibbs is a doubt, struggling from an ankle injury, while Silvestre is also a doubt after back problems sustained from the Boro game. Clichy (back) is reported to be 50-50 for the second leg next week. Gallas (knee) is out for the rest of the season. Robin Van Persie has a groin problem and will also miss the leg. New signing Arshavin is inelligible.

Possible Line-up:
-----------Almunia------------
Sagna-Toure-Djourou-Gibbs
---------Song-Denilson
----Walcott-Cesc(c)-Nasri
-----------Adebayor

Subs: Fabianski, Bendtner, Diaby, Eboue, Silvestre, Ramsey, Eduardo


Manchester United Team News:
Gary Neville is out due to a foot injury. Ferguson will have a hard decision to make with his forward line up, with Tevez expressing concern at the lack of first team starts. Tevez came on at half time during the weekend clash with Tottenham and inspired a come back for the Red Devils.

Possible Line-up:

-----------Van der Sar-----------
O'Shea-Vidic-Ferdinand-Evra
Ronaldo-Scholes-Carrick-Park
-------Rooney-Berbatov-------

Subs: Foster, Brown, Evans, Rafael, Nani, Giggs, Tevez


Both teams have been shaky lately in Defense. Arsenal are missing many key players in defense, and have had a hard time against the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. Silvestre in particular has been identified as the weak link in defense along with young Gibbs, who will have his hand full trying to deal with Ronaldo and Rooney. Nasri will have to constantly track back in support of Gibbs.

On the left wing, Evra will have his hand full with young Theo Walcott, whose blisttering pace and runs have wrecked all sorts of havoc for teams. Ferguson will most likely deploy Park on the left wing instead of the veteran Giggs for support.

In the middle of the park, Arsenal will have the option of parterning Cesc with Diaby, Denilson, or Song. Song has been the subject of much praise from the fans and will attempt to take control of the midfield. Diaby has been inconsistant in form and Denilson has proved to be distinctively average during his recent performances. Both youngesters will have to step up to the occasion if Arsenal are to gain anything from the tie. Man Utd however, have arguably the weakset midfield of the so-called "big four", and if Arsenal can keep possession and control of the middle, we will have a much easier game.

Up front Man Utd are very strong, with the excellent link-up play and skills of Berbatov and the work rate and pace of Rooney and Tevez. Look for Rooney to drift onto the wings and exploit open space with his runs. Arsenal will deploy a lone striker once again in the form of Adebayor. We will need the extra man in midfield to help control the flow of the game, and we pretty much have no other options due to injuries.

I watched the Barca-Chelsea game today, a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou. Chelsea packed the midfield with the likes of Mikel and Essien, and Barca struggled with the physical side of the game as they were unable to break down Chelsea's defense. Overall Barca dictated play, but will be disappointed with the scoreless home draw. Drogba had an excellent chance to put the visitors in control but missed his one-on-one with Valdes. Eto'o and Henry both had chances as well but Cech stopped them well. Young Bojan missed a free header and Hleb squandered a chance towards the end of the game.

I hope fans are as excited and nervous as I am, because tomorrow could prove to be crucial if we are to gain anything from this season. Look forward to a match analysis shortly after.

Keep it Arsenalive,
Travis