Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Prediction, Team News and Key Battles

With a slight change in power taking place between the two clubs this year, Manchester United's home clash with Arsenal on Sunday will be a stern test for both sides.

Although Arsene Wenger's side have been in glorious form since the arrival of Mesut Ozil, United should never be counted out when playing at Old Trafford.

For their part, Arsenal haven't beaten the Red Devils since 2006, when Emmanuel Adebayor's late goal ensured the Gunners the spoils.

 Team News

As reported by Paul Gorst at The Mirror, David Moyes has ruled out Danny Welbeck with a knee injury. Welbeck has missed the last five games, so it's not much of a surprise.

However, the same article quoted Moyes as being hopeful that Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans could make a return:

"

Hopefully, we'll have a few players back. The only one who is not in contention is Danny Welbeck. He's still suffering with his knee.

But hopefully I'll have the other ones in and around the squad. I'll be able to make a decision on [Saturday] once I see how they all are.

"

Robin van Persie is also likely to get the nod to start against his former team, while Rafael will face a late fitness test.

Wenger, meanwhile, will be awaiting the results of a late fitness test on Jack Wilshere. According to Charles Perrin at The Express, the young midfielder's ankle injury is still keeping him sidelined. 

Wilshere rolled his left ankle in training, missing his side's trip to Borussia Dortmund as a result. 

Theo Walcott (abdominal surgery), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (back), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee) are all ruled out for Sunday.

 Key Battles

Mesut Ozil vs. Nemanja Vidic

No real surprise here, but Ozil has been the catalyst for Arsenal's recent success. The German is such a creative threat that United's chances of winning the game could depend on keeping him quiet.

It's likely that Ozil will drift across the midfield, connecting the play from all parts of the field. However, he finds a lot of success through the middle and can unlock a defence with a quick pass. 

It's going to fall to Nemanja Vidic to marshal his back four and take the responsibility upon himself. Vidic is vastly experienced and a wonderful defensive player, so this is definitely a battle to keep an eye on.

 Adnan Januzaj vs. Bacary Sagna

Adnan Januzaj was rested for the clash with Real Sociedad, so it's likely that Moyes brings his young star back here, probably at the expense of Shinji Kagawa.

Although Kagawa was at the heart of United's best moments in Spain, Januzaj has proved himself in the Premier League under Moyes, so the manager will look for more of the same from the 18-year-old.

Bacary Sagna will certainly have a physical advantage over Januzaj, so it will be interesting to see how the United midfielder fares on Sunday.

Sagna is vastly experienced and will look to pressure Januzaj into mistakes when United are in possession.

Januzaj's movement and understanding with van Persie and Wayne Rooney has been excellent, so disrupting that will stem the flow of United's attacks.

 Marouane Felliani vs. Aaron Ramsey

Marouane Fellaini is yet to impress the Old Trafford faithful, and his childish red card against Real Sociedad will not have endeared him any further.

However, if he can establish a strong presence in the middle of the park, he could control the midfield. He has a distinct size advantage over Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, and a strong display here would greatly help his cause at Old Trafford.

Ramsey, meanwhile, is in the form of his life and was again the hero as Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund. He has 11 goals for the season so far, so United will look to contain him.

Due to his high stamina levels and surging box-to-box runs, it's going to be a difficult task. Fellaini absolutely has to perform if Ramsey is going to be denied.

Prediction

Although it's very difficult to bet against United at Old Trafford, the feeling persists that Arsenal can beat just about anyone at the minute.

It's likely to be a tense first half, but look for Ozil and Ramsey to control the midfield as the game wears on, leading to better opportunities.

Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal