EPL Preview: A Look at Manchester United vs. Arsenal and Other Upcoming Matches
The 2-1 win over Udinese in the crucial Champions League qualifier may have tapered the cracks for Arsenal, but the crucial match against Manchester United will judge the effect of losing crucial players like Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.
Facing Manchester United at Old Trafford is probably the toughest test for Arsenal, as United have been on a 33 match unbeaten run in the Premier League at Old Trafford. This, along with Arsenal's poor record away to the Red Devils, is also unlikely to provide any confidence for Arsene Wenger.
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Sir Alex Ferguson seems to be once again building a squad for the future and it has already been praised a lot. However, this squad is not without its weaknesses—most of which lie with the new goalkeeper David De Gea. The young Spaniard kept his first clean sheet of the season against Tottenham, but he will be facing a much sterner test in the form of Robin van Persie and co.
Arsenal's squad has been beset by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks and it does not get better against Man Utd. Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere are still unavailable for the match.
After a disappointing summer of seeing a number of stars leave, Newcastle United fans finally seem to have something to rejoice after they have seen their side remain unbeaten in three matches that they have played so far.
The 1-0 win over Sunderland, will especially, rank as one of the finest moments. However, Alan Pardew will be aware of the fact that they need to replicate the success in order to make their whole season fine as well. It seems that the constant pressure of playing since July seems to be showing Fulham after they have lost two consecutive matches.
This could be the first signs of trouble that Martin Jol would have to deal with. The defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers was followed with another defeat to Dnipro in the Europa League. However, the match was not too important for them, as they had already built a 3-0 lead over the opponents, but still Martin Jol will be keen to get back to winning ways.
The absence of Bobby Zamora contributed slightly to the defeat against the Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the England international could be back for the starting lineup against Newcastle. Joey Barton is unlikely to be available, as he is close to his QPR switch.
All eyes will be on the team Harry Redknapp chooses for the home match against Man City, which is not only going to be important for the three points that it offers, but also for the kind of statement that it can deliver to Luka Modric.
If Tottenham gets a resounding win over Man City, they will have a strong bargaining deal over Luka Modric, who is turning out to be the contract rebel very much like Dimitar Berbatov a few seasons ago. Back then, it almost spoiled the season for Tottenham, but Harry Redknapp will be hoping that it does not turn out to be the case this time around, as well.
Even though he indicated that Luka Modric will be most likely to start against Hearts in the Europa League, he was once again left out of the squad. The same could happen in the match against Man City, who are likely to have their new £24 million signing Samir Nasri.
It will be one of the toughest debuts for the Frenchman, who can expect quite a lot of stick considering his Arsenal connections. Man City are at the top of the table right now, and Mancini will be looking to stay there at the end of this weekend as well.
Despite playing well in each of their first two matches, Roy Hodgson's West Brom do not have anything to show for in terms of points, but the home match against Stoke City provides the perfect opportunity for them to do so. Stoke City have begun this season quite well and look very much on course to beating Tony Pulis' target of avoiding relegation this season.
One can say it has been a decent start for Tony Pulis and his men by looking at the overall results, but the Premier League results provide a different story. So far, Stoke City have not secured a win and Tony Pulis will be keen to add to it sooner rather than later.
The nervousness that sets in, due to the lack of a single win, is something that he will be keen to avoid. The same applies for Roy Hodgson as well, who will be more keen to keep a clean sheet. The team has been unable to do so for quite a while now, although one can definitely say that Lady Luck has not been on West Brom's side. Stoke City will welcome both Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington to the starting lineup.
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