Manchester United versusArsenal remains one of the key components of Premier League folklore. The contest is highly anticipated by the footballing world, but where will the battle be won and lost at Old Trafford?
Arsene Wenger faces the unenviable task of beating United in their own manor. It’s a challenge his side have not overcome since October 2006, when Emmanuel Adebayor scored the winner with just minutes remaining.
However, Wenger is going to come up against his old nemesis in Jose Mourinho. The Frenchman has never overcome Mourinho during his time in the Premier League, with thirteen previous contests witnessing the Special One claim a result on each occasion.
Saturday’s fixture sees the spark re-lit as the duo remain in contention for the Premier League crown – albeit Arsenal making a far stronger case than United thus far.
But what battles are the most important this weekend? We take a look at five crucial match-ups as the heavyweight duo prepare to lock horns at Old Trafford in a lunch-time feast.
Alexis Sanchez vs Matteo Darmian
The duel could be brutal. Sanchez can lay claim to being one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say Darmian is not.
With Antonio Valencia missing due to injury, Darmian is expected to deputise in his place. Wenger should play Giroud centrally and allow the pace and energy of Sanchez to damage the United full-back.
If Darmian can produce what he regularly displays for Italy, then it could silence Sanchez and tip the fixture in United’s favour.
Carl Jenkinson vs Anthony Martial
The battle between this duo is not too dissimilar to Darmian and Sanchez. Carl Jenkinson is expected to make his first Arsenal league appearance in nearly three years following an injury to Hector Bellerin.
On the contrary, Martial is finally scheduled to return to the United team following the suspension of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The pace of Martial against Jenkinson could prove a mismatch, with the consequences being fatal if the Frenchman comes out on top.
Jenkinson will need to remain defensively solid and contain Martial – who will be determined to make his mark after a few weeks on the sidelines.
Petr Cech vs David De Gea
Rarely do we witness two of the best going head-to-head against each other but Saturday will see two of the finest Premier League goalkeepers do battle.
Cech’s record at Old Trafford is impeccable, while De Gea’s history of facing Arsenal is of a similar status to Cech.
Indeed, whoever comes out on top this weekend is likely to see their team victorious. Both keepers will be called upon to make crucial saves.
Marcus Rashford vs Shkodran Mustafi
Two of the brightest stars of 2016 will attempt to be overcome each other at Old Trafford but just who will come out on top?
Mustafi remains one of the league’s most in-form defenders following his summer move from Valencia. The German has been sensational and not taken any prisoners when it comes to major games.
Rashford is likely to replace the suspended Ibrahimovic up front and will be determined to impress in the central role.
Jose Mourinho vs Arsene Wenger
Wenger versus Mourinho – the bitterest Premier League managerial rivalry to ever grace England’s top-flight. It’s not the importance of the rivalry but the hatred the pair hold for one another that has surpassed anything previously witnessed.
Saturday’s clash will see the duo do battle once more and the winner of the tactical war is likely to see his team victorious. There’s certainly no love lost for each other, but the mutual respect is evident.