Manchester United Vs Arsenal: Three Key Battles

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Manchester United are gearing up for their biggest test of this season as they travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.

The Red Devils are in fine form with three consecutive wins in the Premier League while they opened their account in the Champions League with a win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday.

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It was a big win for the Red Devils and its now left the side in a good position ahead of the international break. However, they must defeat the dejected Gunners tomorrow to cap off a perfect month.

Arsenal are enduring a tough time at the moment as their Champions League hopes were dented as they lost their opening two games. In the league they are currently fourth in the table and would be looking to gain pace in the title race with a win over United. In a big match like this individual battles can help in shaping victory for their respective side and we take a look at three that could settle the game.

Alexis Sanchez vs Antonio Valencia

Arsenal have been poor this term in the final third and have lacked goals. Last term Alexis Sanchez played a pivotal role in getting goals for his team. The Chilean scored a mammoth 16 goals and 8 assists in his debut season but this year he has made a slow start. However, he got back to his best against Leicester City as he bagged a hat-trick at the King Power stadium last week and was also on scoresheet in a midweek defeat against Olympiakos.

For United they were devastated when Luke Shaw suffered an horrific injury against PSV Eindhoven, ruling him out for at least six months. Matteo Darmian was doing a fine job at right back but now due to his versatility and injury to Marcos Rojo he has been shifted to left back.

Antonio Valencia did a fair job on the right hand side last term. He provides the necessary width on right side as Juan Mata drifts centrally but he is frequently out of position while defending. Valencia will have to defend more against Sanchez and will have to be positionally good to stop the Chile forward. Could Ashley Young start?

Michael Carrick vs Mesut Ozil

Arsenal didn’t sign any outfield players and their strikers have let them down this term.

Mesut Ozil has started the season well as he has created 29 chances and bagged three assists in the league. The German international has been deployed in his favourite position behind the striker, but Ozil often lets down the team in big games. The former Real Madrid man will thrive if he has been given ample amount of time on the ball but that’s only if he is given that time.

Manchester United now boast quality options in midfield. The Red Devils rested Michael Carrick against Wolfsburg in midweek to keep him fresh for Arsenal clash. The vice captain has not been at his best but still brings calmness in the middle of the park. He will have a task on his hand to disposess Ozil frequently and not allowing him to find his team-mates in final third.

Anthony Martial vs Per Mertesacker

Anthony Martial has started his United career in an emphatic way. The teenager has bagged four goals in six appearances for the Red Devils.

He has been impressive with his all round play as he has been making brilliant runs between the defenders. He was impressive at the Emirates last year with Monaco in the Champions League as he troubled the Arsenal defence with his pace and dribbling and he will look to do the same this season.

Arsene Wenger confirmed in his press conference that he will not be with Laurient Koscielny against Manchester United. The Gunners will probably start with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. The former German international who is often criticised for his pace will have a difficult task to stop Martial. But the World Cup winner though has the experience and physical presence on his side to stop the Frenchmen.

Overall their are key battles across the whole pitch but these three could be the difference come the full time whistle.

Next: Blind: Man United want to beat Arsenal

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