Gooner's View: A Look Ahead Of The Big Derby, The Analysts Contribute

Welcome to the Gooner’s View discussion. We will discuss and dissect the upcoming fixture of last year's champions, Manchester United, with Arsenal.

To spice the things up a bit, we have also invited the Manchester United and World Football Co-Community leader, Salaar Shamsi, and also Keith Griffin and Austin, whom all of you know from your encounters with them in the community.

I would like to thank Owen Watson, Mohamed Eldin Masri, Austin, Keith Griffin and Salaar Shamsi for taking the time to answer these questions.

Let’s not keep you waiting. Let the discussion initiate:

What do you think the fixture means for Arsenal and Manchester United? Can it play a role for the future performances of the teams?

Austin:

I think the fixture means a lot more than what both sides will tell you it means. It's Manchester United vs. Arsenal! It's the first big test of the season for both teams, but I don't think it will play a big role for their future performances. However, I think it will instill more confidence in the winner for future big four match-ups.

Keith Griffin:

As far as the season goes, not much. A loss for either team at this early stage wouldnt have much of an impact really, no matter what the media tell you. Both sides would have plenty of time and games to keep their title hopes alive. However, it does give both managers a good estimation as to where their team now stands following the departure of key players in the summer. Are United as strong on the counter now that the lightning paced Ronaldo has left?

A counter attack that demolished Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals? And are Arsenal the same now that their key striker is at Manchester City? A man who took up the reins the goalscoring burden once Theirry Henry had left for Spain? A really poor display from either side may cause the manager to dip into the transfer market once again.

Owen Watson:

The fixture has lost some of its fire over the last few seasons, but these two clubs believe they are the premiere proponents of attacking football in the English game. They are both clubs that have trusted young players in recent years, and have something to prove in this game.

Arsenal will be looking to avenge the manner of their Champions League exit last year, whereas Manchester United will want to prove they can compete with the Premier League's best without Cristiano Ronaldo.

In terms of its impact on the rest of the season, I don't think it will have to great of an impact. Both teams will be looking to win of course, and a victory will give the winning side an extra dose of confidence. The only way I see it playing a role is if one side gets unexpectedly thrashed.

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