Arsenal likely XI against Manchester United

The Premier League action resumes after a two day hiatus as game week 26 brings us what promises to be an absolute cracker of a contest between arch rivals Arsenal and Manchester United. Both these teams come into this highly anticipated clash after a massive let down in the past weekend. While Arsenal were thrashed by Liverpool in a whopping 5-1 margin, a remarkable turn of events in the last minute at Old Trafford left David Moyes and his Manchester United side absolutely shell shocked as Darren Bent’s last gasp header gave Fulham a remarkable two all draw against the Red Devils.

Robin Van Persie’s looping header at Old Trafford gave United the win when these two sides met previously in the current season but things have gradually changed to a great extent. While Arsenal simply cannot afford to drop any further points given their title charge, any let off again for David Moyes means United would be perilously close to missing out on a Champions League berth.

So what should be Wenger’s strongest line up against the Red Devils?

Goalkeeping

Wojciech Szczesny will man the Arsenal goal and the Polish International knows that even if Manchester United aren’t playing well currently, they carry a significant goal threat. Arsene Wenger had a disastrous afternoon at Anfield on Saturday when Liverpool put five past his team but will hope his goalkeeper can at least muster up a clean sheet or make some crucial saves if the Gunners are to be on the right end of the score line after the entire course of ninety minutes.

Defence

Arsenal’s defence will face a tough task at the Emirates as they look to combat all of the attacking four in Juan Mata, Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj. Bacary Sagna should start in the right back slot and will have to guard against the incisive runs of Januzaj on the flanks.

Also, Kieran Gibbs should be starting ahead of Nacho Monreal in the left back slot and look to put pressure on the United wingers using his pace to barge forward. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker however will have to be on their very best if Arsenal were to take all three points from the encounter, the French-German duo have to be on top of their game to gain the upper hand on Rooney and Van Persie.

Midfield

Given United’s poor performance in the middle of the park, Arsenal will clearly have an advantage in the midfield. Oxlade Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere should be starting again as they did against Liverpool. Mathieu Flamini’s suspension continues meaning Mikel Arteta will also make the starting eleven. Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and should start in the attacking places just behind the lone striker up front. While the duo were equally poor at Anfield, they need to up their game at the Emirates to run forays in the United defence to get three vital points in their kitty.

Albeit, it would be tough for Wenger to choose his perfect set of midfielders. While Ozil had a below par game, Chamberlain and Wilshere had a decent outing at Anfield. Knowing Wenger, Ozil would never be dropped, but Arsenal really lacked a sense of urgency during the Liverpool game – the man who can induce some sort of urgency in the play is definitely Tomas Rosicky and it will be interesting to see if Wenger opts for the Czech International this time around.

Strike force

Olivier Giroud will again play as the target man as the Frenchman will look to run behind the Red Devils’ defence and also hold the ball up for his team mates to get involved. Giroud will also have the advantage of playing ahead of the triumvirate behind his back and United’s fragile defence so that he can add to his team’s chances to mustering the required result.

Final Line-up: