Who Should Start for Arsenal in Their Enounter with Manchester United

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

After an emphatic start to the 2009/2010 Premiership campaign, Arsenal now face their hardest challenge yet, Champions Manchester United. Arsenal have two wins from two games notching 10 goals and conceding just two. United on the other hand have just come of a big 5-0 thrashing of a measly Wigan side but have suffered a loss to Burnely.

It's sure to be a great encounter between the rivals and the Old Trafford atmosphere will make it even better.

So who should start for Arsenal.

Defence

The Arsenal defence has been surprisingly impressive in the early stages of the season. However they have faced quite frail opposition, now comes a big test. With the likes of Rooney and Berbatov causing trouble up front, and Carrick, Valencia, and Park Ji Sung all being dangerous from the midfield, the Arsenal back four will have to be on their best form.

Arsene Wenger has his main four defensive options fit, so Bacary Sagna will handle the right flank and William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen will occupy the middle with Gael Clichy on the left. Manuel Almunia will, as per usual, occupy keeper.

Midfield

Another aspect of the Arsenal came that was a little shaky at times last season but is now superb. Not only has most of the goals come from Arsenal midfielders, but the Arsenal midfield have also shut down all their opponents midfielding attacks.

However, captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas is still pending fitness and there's a chance the Spainaird may not feature, which means Abou Diaby will have to step up.

Wenger is likely to opt with the 4-3-3 formation which has brought him success this season. Alexandre Song will play the holding role whilst Denilson will occupy the more attacking central role and Abou Diaby or Cesc Fabregas will play just behind the striker.

Forwards

The Arsenal forward pack have only netted one of the 10 Premiership goals, so the likes of Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, and Eduardo will be eager to find the back of the net.

Wenger will most likely play three strikers, which will mean lanky Dane Nicklas Bendtner will patrol the right hand side, Robin van Persie will have the central role, and Andrei Asharvin will threaten down the left.

Possible lineup

                                             Goal Keeper: Manuel Almunia

Right Back:Bacary Sanga                                    Left Back: Gael Clichy

                  Center Back: William Gallas   Center Back:

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