With the huge game between Arsenal and Manchester United this weekend, there are going to be some key battles on the pitch that will determine who walks away with not just 3 points – but perhaps more importantly, bragging rights.
Angel Di Maria vs Alexis Sanchez – Superstar Showdown
The two massive summer signings face off in a battle of skill, attacking flair and talisman duties. Di Maria has arrived at Old Trafford with a record £60 million price tag and a huge responsibility on his shoulders. He not only has to live up to the number 7 shirt, following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow but to turn around a pretty mediocre season so far. And he has done this; perhaps not as often as the fans would like but consistency is something United have lacked everywhere. Sanchez is in a similar role at Arsenal, causing cries of “One man team!”.
This is somewhat true but it will be an interesting match up in the game, because some feel Di Maria is in the same position himself. The Argentine has excelled in most of his games, being the deciding factor on many occasions because the rest of the team simply haven’t turned up.
Both defences will have their hands full with their opposite South American play-maker; and I personally think Sanchez will have the bigger impact because the United defence is so depleted, and he is full of confidence right now. However this will work in United’s favour as they know Sanchez is carrying a team and is going to be the first man the ball will be passed to.
David De Gea vs Danny Welbeck – Winner Wins The Game
Danny Welbeck faces United for the first time since he moved to Arsenal on deadline day. He faces his old club with a point to prove; especially to Louis Van Gaal. His big test will be beating in-form De Gea; who himself faced a number of critics during his start at United but unlike Welbeck managed to prove them wrong. The Spaniard has been one of the best players for United so far this season, even with a changing and often weak defence in front of him.
Welbeck has had a great start to life in the Arsenal shirt but De Gea has ensured United have stayed competitive at times where it looked really bad for the Reds although for the neutrals the score against Leicester won’t help his case much. But the quality saves have been plenty this season, just like Welbeck’s goals.
The winner will likely take the headlines, and the onus is on Welbeck to make a statement. For De Gea it will be business as usual. I think that De Gea will be a solid figure between the posts and Welbeck will have a frustrating day because he, whether he means to or not, will try too hard to make the impact everyone expects him to.
Chris Smalling vs Aaron Ramsey – Points To Prove
While not the most obvious key battle, it must not be overlooked. Both have points to prove; that they belong in their starting lineups. Smalling has been poor so far this season, and the sending off against Manchester City did not help his case. But he needed to start the season as a solid, dependable centre-back to fill Rio Ferdinand’s boots and partner Johnny Evans in the middle of the defence. Ramsey came into the season in the opposite way; he was coming in after a successful season with the expectations to not only continue his success but to improve further.
The progress of both has been painfully slow for both fans, United fans suffering considerably more with Chris Smalling. The England man hasn’t had a great season so far and not done anything to deter the critics. The emergence of young Paddy McNair and the talent of Marcos Rojo will have given Van Gaal another headache.
Ramsey has had injury trouble and is in danger of losing his place in the starting line up due to Wenger’s love of tinkering and the amount of class midfield options available to him. Van Gaal has no such luxury with defensive options and so I think Ramsey will have the better game.
So, there you have it. Will Sanchez or Di Maria come out on top? Can Welbeck beat De Gea? Does Smalling realise his time may be up?
Have an opinion? Tell me in the comments below.