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How Arsenal can edge out United at home

Arsenal versus Manchester United

United (left) and Arsenal shared the spoils in their previous meeting in May. Photo: Reuters

United (left) and Arsenal shared the spoils in their previous meeting in May. Photo: Reuters

Arsenal versus Manchester United

is the English Premier League blockbuster to watch this weekend (unless you are a Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City fan). TODAY’s EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) breaks down the key areas to watch out for ...

THE GAME PLAN

If Arsenal are unable to win the ball back inside opposition territory (which they will initially try to do), I envisage them dropping off, sacrificing possession, and then hitting United with rapid breakaways instead. Mesut Ozil’s vision, Aaron Ramsey’s energy, Alexis Sanchez’s trickery, and the sheer speed of Theo Walcott mean Arsenal have a potent counter-attacking cocktail.

On home turf they don’t get many opportunities to play this way, but tomorrow, it might bear fruit.

Control is the name of the game for Louis van Gaal, so I expect Manchester United to keep the ball for long periods and wear Arsenal down with their passing and movement.

Juan Mata and Memphis Depay could be the chief architects. If the wide men pop up and get the ball free in pockets of space between the fullbacks, centre-backs and midfielders, the home side could be in trouble. United’s game plan will revolve around ensuring those type of situations occur frequently.

STRENGTHS

Arsene Wenger’s men know how to create chances better than anyone else in the division. They carved out 23 chances in this fixture last season, and Ozil (29) and Santi Cazorla (28) lead the way in this season’s Premier League individual tallies.

When they’re fluent and full of confidence, Arsenal can create unusual angles with their off-the-ball movement that’s incredibly hard to contain. Rarely do they move the ball predictably in square lines. Watch out for the triangles they form.

In David de Gea and Anthony Martial, United have influential star performers at both ends of the pitch, but I’d describe the team’s tactical discipline as their greatest strength. Under a wily manager, the Red Devils have learned how to be patient and wait for the right opportunities, and that’s a rare and precious virtue. United’s players are well-drilled and now know their roles inside out.

WEAKNESSES

Concentration, or should I say the lack of it, is Arsenal’s Achilles Heel.

Time and again we see the Gunners go to sleep when defending set pieces or crosses, and it’s proven costly in recent outings.

When they don’t have the ball, everyone must communicate better, and show greater alertness and diligence. Ahead of this game I also have concerns in central midfield. Francis Coquelin didn’t look 100 per cent fit in midweek, and Cazorla can sometimes look lightweight in big games.

Luke Shaw’s injury means two of United’s back four are now potential weak links. Van Gaal has experimented with Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia at full-back, even switching Matteo Darmian to the left as a consequence, but whoever starts will be targeted by Arsenal. Daley Blind’s had good games this season, but he is also a concern as his lack of speed and experience at centre-back will be severely tested by a lively set of Gunners front men.

THE MEN IN FORM

It took a while for him to get going, but Sanchez has been staggeringly good during the past seven days. His stunning hat-trick at Leicester City was reminiscent of the Chilean’s hottest days last term, and on a dark night against Olympiacos, his vibrant and mazy dribbling was a joy to watch. With doubts over who will start for United at right-back, he is Arsenal’s most likely match winner. They must feed him the ball as often as possible. He’s on fire now.

Mata has been majestic in recent weeks. Comfortable with his manager and enjoying a position tucking inside from the right wing, the sublime Spaniard is loving life at Old Trafford at last. The arrival of Martial has also helped him no end.

With the pacy striker stretching teams and pushing them back, Mata has had more space to turn on his brand of delicate artistry in midfield. His battle with compatriot Nacho Monreal is a duel to watch.

KEY HEAD-TO-HEAD battles

Two in-form Englishman — Chris Smalling and Theo Walcott — will lock horns, and the player that wins this private battle is odds-on to finish up with three points.

United’s central defender has elegantly made the transition from ugly duckling to beautiful swan this season. Displaying composure, authority and expert match intelligence, Smalling has shone with a string of outstanding displays. But while he has the speed to handle Walcott, does he have the mobility to match?

Arsenal’s longest-serving player is fast proving that he can develop into a proper centre forward. Currently Wenger’s first choice to lead the line, I’ve noticed a distinct improvement in Walcott’s touch, hold up play, willingness to run the channels, and the quality of his movement. When he times his bursts properly, no one can catch him. Snaring 12 goals in his last 13 league starts, he knows where the net is, too. Brimming with self-belief, Walcott must be shackled expertly by Smalling.

PREDICTION

Arsenal 2 Manchester United 1

Emirates Stadium won’t faze the league leaders. It’s a happy hunting ground for United, who are unbeaten on their last four visits. To stand a chance of extending that run to five, they must deal better with crosses away from home. In their last three away games, Van Gaal’s men have shipped two goals, mostly from centres delivered from out wide.

Arsenal will be fired up after their Champions League midweek horror show. The concern for Wenger is the tactical awareness of his players. Will they get the balance right between defence and attack?

Needing the three points badly, I’m backing them to do it. Just.

PAST FIVE RESULTS:

May 17 2015 - Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal (EPL)

Mar 9 2015 - Man Utd 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)

Nov 22 2014 - Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd (EPL)

Feb 12 2014 - Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd (EPL)

Nov 10 2013 - Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League

About the author:

TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for many publications around the world.

TV TIMES

Tonight:

Crystal Palace v West Brom (Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 7.45pm)

Aston Villa v Stoke (Ch103 & Ch228; 9.55pm)

Sunderland v West Ham (Ch104 & Ch229; 9.55pm)

Norwich v Leicester (Ch105 & Ch230; 9.55pm)

Bournemouth v Watford (Ch106 & Ch231; 9.55pm)

Man City v Newcastle (Ch102 & Ch227; 10pm)

Tomorrow:

Chelsea v Southampton (Ch102 & Ch227; 12.30am)

Everton v Liverpool (Ch102 & Ch227; 8.30pm)

Swansea v Tottenham (Ch 103 & Ch 228; 10.45pm)

Arsenal v Man Utd (Ch102 & Ch227; 11pm)

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