Arsenal v United: Preview

January 29, 2010

Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic is set to replace Rio Ferdinand in the Manchester United line-up to face Arsenal on Sunday.

Ferdinand misses out as he starts a four-game suspension, the FA disciplinary panel deciding his appeal against a violent conduct charge for an attack on Hull’s Craig Fagan last weekend was “frivolous”.

But Vidic is ready to step into the breach after a six-game absence with a nerve problem down the right side of his leg.

Darren Fletcher, meanwhile, believes Manchester United will have cause to be thankful for Wayne Rooney’s last-gasp Carling Cup winner when they visit the Gunners.

Not only did Rooney’s stoppage-time header book a Wembley showdown with Aston Villa next month, it also avoided United having to face a draining extra half an hour against Manchester City - time that would have sapped legs and made recovery far harder for the encounter at the Emirates.

“Apart from winning us the tie, the good thing about Wayne’s goal was that it saved us going into extra time,” said the Scotland midfielder.

“That would not have been the ideal preparation for a visit to the Emirates because we know how important this weekend is.

Fletcher view

“But that is what being a Manchester United player is all about - a massive semi-final during the week then a few days later another one in the league.”

Arsenal will welcome back Cameroon midfielder Alex Song from international duty, and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen has a small chance to feature despite picking up a leg problem in midweek.

Striker Eduardo (hamstring) and midfielder Abou Diaby (calf) are, however, both out injured.

Veteran former captain Sol Campbell could be in line to make his first appearance for the club at Emirates Stadium, while Nicklas Bendtner, back after a three-month lay-off because of groin surgery, is pressing for a start.

Samir Nasri, who had been out with a hamstring problem, is also back in contention while Emmanuel Eboue has returned from the African Nations Cup.

Robin van Persie (ankle), Kieran Gibbs (foot), and Johan Djourou (knee) are long-term absentees.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Campbell, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin, Fabianski, Silvestre, Nasri, Walcott, Traore, Ramsey, Eastmond, Emmanuel-Thomas.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Park, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson, Giggs, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Diouf.

Arsenal league form: WDWWD

United league form: WWDWW

Key opponent: Cesc Fabregas - orchestrates Gunners midfield and has 14 goals this season - hard to believe he still only 22

Prediction: Arsenal 2 United 2 - it's all set for another cracker between these two old rivals and there should be little to choose between them

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.

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Alias Smith, over the moon (29/01/2010 at 11:14)

Tough, tough game. I suppose the best we have a right to expect is a draw but a win would really set us up for a title charge.

Will SAF stick with 451 or go 442? I suspect Wayne will be asked to plough a lone furrow again - fine if we can get the players forward to support him as we did in the second half of the City game.

VdS, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Giggs, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Rooney is almost certainly NOT going to be the starting XI (can Giggs and Scholes do another 90 minutes so soon?) but it's the one I would select.

Duncan, London (29/01/2010 at 11:29)

Fletcher needs to be at his best here to shackle Fabregas. Can Scholes produce another princely performance after Wednesday and Saturday? And can Vidic deal with the Russian gnome - these are the vital areas we need to succeed in to get something out the game.

Gerry, Glastonbury (29/01/2010 at 11:44)

This'll be another 4-5-1 but who will play CM? Giggs & Scholes are unlikely to start again so soon though they could be on the bench of course, so one would think that Gibson may come in with Carrick & Fletch. Valencia. Nani & Park the choice of wide men? Raf or Wes at RB?
A draw here would be a very good result.

I saw Duncan Edwards play, Walton Le Dale (29/01/2010 at 11:45)

Will we miss Rio? Of course we will, but it is not as bad as it could have been. Nemanja will fill in admirably and with young Jonny alongside him we will be alright in the defensive department.

The interesting dilemna will be as to how SAF decides to approach this game. His problem is do we play two up front, or go for the very successful five man midfield with the Roonster up front on his own? As we are so blissfully aware the latter formation worked like a dream on Wednesday!

Whatever way SAF decides I will back his judgement completely, unless of course the credit card kid is in the starting line up; then I will have to think again!!!

My prediction- a two nil win depending on whether the dog-eater plays.

winky red, norwich (29/01/2010 at 11:50)

NANI OR VALENCIA.ON RIGHT.SAME TEAM AS WEEK VIDIC CUMIN IN FOR RIO...SAME ATTACKING DISPLAY IE FROM CENTRE MIDFIELD HAS WEDS NITE..WILL HAV GREAT OPTIONS ON BENCH..CHELSEA FEW GAMES BAC MADE IT MEN AGAINST BOYS WINNING 3.O.UTD NEED TO DO THE SAME...THIS IS A BIG GAME WE DONT WANT TO LOSE....

jangar bataahuu (29/01/2010 at 12:08)

there is no way gunners gonna score. man utd will crash gunners to the ground.

number 1 fan jack the ripper

curiousyellow, Rusholme (29/01/2010 at 12:13)

lets hope Rooney can get some decent service. Don't fancy Campbells chances against him!!
Stop Fabregas and i can't see too many problems (hopefully!)

Tj_Son, at work (29/01/2010 at 12:19)

I thought this game was made for Anderson, I could see him taking out Fabregas completely. Hope he gets a chance

bobbydazzler (29/01/2010 at 12:21)

we must not start this game with only 10 players so that means the credit card salesman must be left back in manchester

bobbydazzler (29/01/2010 at 12:22)

is there anybody out there who wants park playing sunday?

Brian, Brussels (29/01/2010 at 12:35)

Don't see Scholes/Giggs starting which probably means Korea's Norman Wisdom on one wing....................have to say Fergie loses more and more cedibility with me everytime he plays this clown. We need a result on Sunday because Chelski will soon be out of sight otherwise and because our record against the other top teams isn't good anymore. Big decision on Berbatov as well, will he actually play him in a big match for once!? Pity about Anderson as I would have put him on Fabregas but I suspect he's finished now?

Monkey tennis?, yes please (29/01/2010 at 12:47)

I'm suspecting a 4-5-1 again - seems to work well at the moment...

Carrick and Fletch in the midfield with Tony V just in front! yeah that's right, check out my radical thinking!!!!! Nani on the right, Obertan or Park on the left (not that i would condone the playing of Park by the way) and mr rooney leading the line and dancing a merry dance around Sulzeer.

I am always wrong with my line ups but as long as Fletch is nibbling away at Fabregas all game i'll be a happy bunny.

tooth&claw, manchester (29/01/2010 at 12:54)

Duncan, Fabregas rarely gets a kick against the big teams. I'd be more worried about Arshavin's clever positioning against young Rafael. I'd probably play Brown at FB and get him to kick the lightweight Arshavin a few times and make him lose his appetite for the game.

I'd play VDS, WB NV JE PE, N DF MC PS JSP, WR and I'd probably put Giggs on for Scholes after an hour. Then we could put Berbatov or Owen on for JSP if we are chasing a goal or Diouf on for JSP and bring Rooney back if we are defending a lead and need an out ball. Whoever plays as wingers need to stay forward and stay wide in order to keep the Arsenal fullbacks in check or if not, to pull the Arsenal CBs wide and create gaps.

By the way, it was a joke about Brown kicking Arshavin before any bitters jump on that.

Steve, Glossop (29/01/2010 at 13:26)

Anderson's done well against Fabregas previously unlike Carrick who's been exposed for his limitations. With Campbell likely to start Rooney should batter him. As long as we hold our own in midfield I think we could win this.

Justin The Great, manchester (29/01/2010 at 15:23)

my selection would be a strong team with lots of pace and flare

vds, brown, vidic, evans, evra, valencia, fletcher, anderson, nani, rooney, diouf

Seamus, Vanisle,ex-Stretford (29/01/2010 at 15:26)

Keys to the game: Vidic must want to play, Park isn't on the field, Fletcher takes care of Fabregas, and Wes takes Arshavin out of the game, fairly of course. Still, Arses have to be favourite in this one, at home and playing well, however they can be turned over. I just hope we're not suffering a hangover from Wednesday night. Some of us said on previous threads that Valencia in CM with Nani out wide could work very well, so why not? Fletch and Carrick with Obertan on the left, although I suspect Park will occupy that spot despite what many of us think about him. Back four, Wes, Vida, Evans and that French fella. Rooney will be left up front alone for much of the game, help will arrive if/when we need a goal.

Just for the hell of it, how about Valencia Carrick and Fletch, with Nani, Rooney and Berba/Owen. Might be fun to watch and Campbell would have a mare.

Bollyred, Bollington (29/01/2010 at 15:29)

is there anybody out there who wants park playing sunday?
bobbydazzler,
29/01/2010 at 12:22

Yes - for the reserves

Drago 34 (29/01/2010 at 15:29)

Looks like Anderson could well be off over the weekend unfortunately.If he does then surely Fergie will sign another midfielder as with Hargreaves still not back we will be relying on only Fletcher & Carrick backed up by Scholes and the very, very average Gibson which aint great.So either Anderson stays and plays or we sign another player or we will be deep in the brown stuff.So with Anderson unlikely to be involved, Hargreaves still out, Ferdinand suspended and O'Shea injured i can see us playing 4-5-1 with this team hopefully....

.....................Van Der Sar....................

Rafael..........Vidic..........Evans..........Evra

.......Valencia.......Fletcher.......Carrick

Nani............................................Giggs

........................Rooney........................

Subs: Kuszackz, Brown, Fabio, Scholes, Berbatov, Owen, Diouf

alan matthews (29/01/2010 at 15:42)

T&C I hope that remark regarding Fabergas does'nt come back to bite you in the (YOU KNOW WHERE)??

United 18, Huddersfield Town 3, City 2 (League Titles), Wilmslow (29/01/2010 at 15:48)

big big game. Think we should play Ando, he always seems to do well at shackling Fabregas.

Fergie has a dilemma with Nani and Valencia. Nani looked good again against the Blue 34's, think he should get the nod, there's no doubt he's got the talent just not the sharpest upstairs. Speedboat with no driver comes to mind

Excellence Of Execution (29/01/2010 at 16:50)

I'm going to stick up for Park, and I don't apologise for doing so. Why is he getting a hard time AGAIN, before he's even kicked a ball? This is what I was saying about pre-recorded opinions. Actually, he has a very good record against Arsenal- he scored in a 2-0 win in the 05/06 season, then again in the CL semis on their turf, as well as being the architect behind the third goal. He also played in the 4-0 win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. The Park bashing is real sad- His inclusion could be a very smart move.

Gilly, Belgium (29/01/2010 at 16:59)

A good strong team is needed to thwart the gooners !
Where is OH , does anybody know ???
is he still around ?

Mrs Fullaway's lodger, LUHG (29/01/2010 at 17:08)

Fergie has a dilemma with Nani and Valencia. Nani looked good again against the Blue 34's, think he should get the nod, there's no doubt he's got the talent just not the sharpest upstairs. Speedboat with no driver comes to mind
United 18, Huddersfield Town 3, City 2 (League Titles), Wilmslow
29/01/2010 at 15:48

I've never been a Nani fan, he's frustrated me to screaming on many occasions. But the last two games, on the right wing . .didn't put a foot wrong, and he's probably better than Valencia once he gets more confidence. Fans were shoutimng two years ago for Fergie to play him on the right, he never was a left winger anyway.

Mrs Fullaway's lodger, LUHG (29/01/2010 at 17:14)

My prediction- a two nil win depending on whether the dog-eater plays.
I saw Duncan Edwards play, Walton Le Dale
29/01/2010 at 11:45

Tut tut tut. He'll be playing alright. Hope the ref doesn't target Fletch otherwise we'll be down to 10 men after 20 minutes. If we can play our game without interference from the ref, I'll agree with the 2-0. Otherwise Arsenal win aided and abetted by the law (the ref).

SIMON., DERRY, N. IRELAND. (29/01/2010 at 17:56)

For me SAF will play his 4-5-1 formation but possibly have Valencia in the central midfield 3 so the team to beat the Gooners is :

Van Der Sar

Evra / Vidic / Evans / Brown

Giggs / Carrick / Fletcher / Valencia / Nani

Rooney

Much as I'd love Scholes to start he'll need to rest after 2 games in 4 days. Giggs however seems to ba able to cope better with resting so should start. I think SAF will want Brown to add extra steel to the back 4 and Nani can't be dropped after 2 of his best games in a United shirt playing in his natural right wing slot. The rest of the team more or less picks itself and for me this is good enough to beat the Gooners but it will be a tight game, can't wait!

Support the Team and Live the Dream.....

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