Manchester United Vs. Arsenal UCL S/F 1st Leg Preview

I guess by the time you are reading this article, you would be pretty much aware of the much commented upon United’s ‘Comeback of the Century’. 

On the back of five successive wins in all competitions(I would exclude FA-Cup Semi-Final as that team was barely ‘UNITED’), Manchester United face Arsenal in the crucial UEFA Champions League Semi-Final at Old Trafford in what would the first of the three meetings between the English football giants in a space of 20 days.

The teams have met a total of 204 times since they first met in 1894 and United hold the edge with 82 wins to Arsenal’s 77. The last time they met was the Premier League meeting at Emirates in October,2008 when the Gunners edged the Red Devils courtesy a brace from Samir Nasri.

United have been no less than imperious this season.  Winning the quintuple may be a different matter its no mean achievement for a club to even be considered vying for it. While the Premier League title seems to be all but in the bag, United are deservedly joint favourites(with Barca) to lift Champs League crown this season.

There are definitely some injury concerns for United, but Fergie has enough bench strength to cope up with it. Captain Gary Neville is out for weeks for two weeks after limping out after just 13 minutes against Portsmouth, while O’Shea may return to deputise Neville  at RB. Another great boost for United would be provided by the return of Wes Brown after sitting out for almost 6 months.

As far as Arsenal are concerned, their medical sheet is not as rosy as United. The Gunners will be without the ultra-vital striker Robin van Persie while Russian play-maker Arshavin is cup-tied.  Emmanuel Adebayor is set to return for the game, soothing at least some eye-brows in the Gunners’ camp.

Speaking of form, both the English giants are firing on all cylinders at the moment. While United’s come from behind win against Spurs would have lifted their spirits to the seventh heaven, Arsenal are currently enjoying the best form in the Premier League going unbeatable in 20 matches on the trot.

Form Book(in all comp’s)
Manchester United FC	D  W  L  W  W
Arsenal FC	D  W  L  D  W

What Sir Alex would be concerned at the moment would be his recent defensive frailties. Rio Ferdinand was less than convincing during the Spurs match and anything remotely close to his defensive errors that day would mean a certain end to their European campaign. Its a match that may just be decided by a single error or a moment of brilliance (most likely from Ronaldo).

Another dilemma for Sir Alex would be his starting strikers. Their second half performance against Tottenham would have left him wondering over the prospect of playing the quadret of Rooney-Tevez-Ronaldo-Berbatov up front. If this combination works, it would be a win-win situation for United as it would further provide some solace to the much aggrieved Tevez.     

Most likely outcome of the first leg- The home ground factor is definitely going to have a huge impact on the first-leg outcome.  United will definitely have something more than an edge over Arsenal going into this match. If the VIDA-RIO combination works, expect a rout on the cards.

Prediction

Best Case for United- United 2-0 Arsenal (Tie all but dead)

Best Case for Arsenal- United 1- 2 Arsenal (This is interesting)