Predicting The Arsenal Starting XI For Their Match Against Manchester United

The chance to take outright first, the opportunity to echo their dominance throughout England, the chance for bragging rights, the chance to show the footballing world their capabilities. There is much at stake for both Arsenal and Manchester United prepare to battle one another for the first time in the 2010-11 season.

The fiercest rivals always cook up an interesting, thrilling dish that all enjoy, although usually some more than others. Already the encounter is gearing up to be a tense, heated, nail-biting encounter with both sides already exchanging unpleasant comments during the week.

However, when the Gunners travel to Old Trafford tomorrow night, manager Arsene Wenger will have on thing in his mastermind. Win and officially go top.

The North London giants currently sit first on the English Premier League table with 32 points whilst Manchester City are in second with equal points but a lesser goal difference, furthermore the Big Spenders have played an extra game to Arsenal's 16 and two extra games to United, who are in third on 31.

Wenger and his men are yet to succeed at Old Trafford since 2006, however, the Gunners have returned to form since numerous set backs and the fact Arsenal boast the best away record in the EPL will also do no harm to the Gunners confidence.

However, critics and fans alike will be eager to see the mental capability of the young Arsenal outfit after a number of claims that they are not mentally tough enough to capitalize on first place. However, Wenger and his followers beg to differ and this encounter against Sir Alex Ferguson's men offers the perfect opportunity for Wenger's men to show they can succeed and proceed in their notorious quest to break their five-year trophy drought.

As usual for Arsenal there is a number of injury concerns but none the less let's predict the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia has officially been declared fit after enduring a persistent elbow injury that saw the Spaniard absent since September. However, deputy Lukasz Fabianski has been immense in Almunia's absence with the Polish shot-stopper now regarded as the new Arsenal No. 1.

Fabianski is certain to start against United whilst Almunia looks destined not to even feature on the bench with boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy likely to be considered for the deputy role.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen has now been ruled out until the new year after the Belgium's extremely persistent Achilles injury worsened. Vermaelen has not featured for the Gunners since August. This ensures that Sebastien Squillaci, despite his immense lack of form, will continue to start in the central defence. The Frenchman will be partnered by countryman Laurent Koscienly.

Johan Djourou is set to be fit for the clash after overcoming a thigh injury sustained against Fulham last week. The imposing Swiss is certain for a place on the bench. At right back French star Bacary Sagna will as expected start with countryman Gael Clichy also certain to start on the left.

English left back Kieran Gibbs has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering yet another ankle injury. Predominant defender Emmanuel Eboue will take a place on the seven man bench.

Midfielders

The big question will be over the fitness of captain Cesc Fabregas, who suffered an reoccurring hamstring injury in late November. Wenger stated that he will not decide whether to utilize or rest his maestro until hours before the game. The Spaniard is likely to be fit enough for the bench ensuring Tomas Rosicky will maintain his spot in the Arsenal midfield.

The Czech dynamo will be partnered by Cameroon international Alexandre Song, who will take on the defensive midfield duties, and teenage sensation Jack Wilshere. The English starlet will begin on the left with Rosicky on the right in a three-man midfield.

Imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby will once again miss the encounter as the 24-year-old continues his rehabilitation from a persistent ankle injury that has forced the France international out of the Arsenal first team since October. Samba star Denilson is certain to receive a spot on the bench.

Forwards

Robin van Persie completed his first 90 minutes of the 2010-11 campaign mid-week in the Gunners 3-1 win over Serbian giants FK Partizan Belgrade. However, the Dutch maestro is unlikely to start but will be utilized off the bench. Marouane Chamakh will take the lone striker role with Andrei Arshavin on the left wing.

Arsenal's player of the season so far, Samir Nasri, who will have to ensure his presence is felt in order for Arsenal to succeed, will start on the right wing. Much emphasis will be on the Nasrir and United will be eager to contain the French playmaker.

Substitutes

Although there are seven places on Wenger's bench, much is depending on the fitness of Cesc Fabregas. If the Spanish maestro is fit enough for the Arsenal bench, then Wojciech Szczensy will be the backup keeper.

Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Eboue the backup defenders. Whilst Denilson, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott will be the back up attackers, alongside Fabregas.

However, if Fabregas failed to complete a fitness test then Nicklas Bendtner will receive the last spot.

An encounter destined for excitement, goals and controversy. A typical Arsenal Manchester United match. So who will succeed—the French genius Arsene Wenger or the Scottish tactician Sir Alex Ferguson.

Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski                       Central Defenders: Sebastien Squillaci, Laurent Koscienly Right Back: Bacary Sagna                                   Left Back: Gael Clichy                                        Defensive Midfielder: Alexandre Song                       Central Midfielders: Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere Right Wing: Samir Nasri                                    Left Wing: Andrei Arshavin                                          Striker: Marouane Chamakh.