Man United vs Arsenal: A UAE fans preview

Sport360 staff 13:00 18/11/2016
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  • Ahead of their encounter at Old Trafford on Saturday, Manchester United and Arsenal UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    We asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch. Do you agree or have they missed the mark?

    Have your say by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    Omar Othman, MUSC UAE

    Following his performance against Swansea City, should Wayne Rooney start?

    I still refuse to believe all the press abuse and social media chatter surrounding the assumption that Rooney is done. He will be back, he’s going through a low period and lack of form, but he’s a big game player and brings motivation to the team which will surely be needed considering the number of players injured.

    In summary, yes he should start. People look at goals and forget what created them; the assists or the pass that lead to the assist and Rooney’s stats in that category are up there with the best in the league at the moment even considering his limited playing time so far this season.

    With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended, who should play up front?

    Losing Ibrahimovic for a game like this is a massive disappointment, but Jose Mourinho should have known better and subbed him when United were comfortably winning knowing a booking would see him miss the Arsenal game.

    I would play Rashford up front. His pace and fearless attitude is exactly what United will need on Saturday.

    Given the injuries, what would be the best back four for this game?

    Considering Arsenal have blistering pace in attack, I would possibly [assuming they make it to selection] play Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw. If Shaw isn’t fit, Ashley Young should slot in.

    SCORE PREDICTION: Despite the injury list, I still think United will secure all three points. I’m going to go for a 2-1 United win.

    LIKELY UNITED XI: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Blind, Shaw; Herrera, Carrick, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford; Rooney

    UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH: Marcus Rashford – Reiterating what I said above, I think his pace and fearless attitude will prove to be key. Rooney to assist!

    ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: Alexis Sanchez – If he’s fit to play, Sanchez will cause problems, considering his ability to penetrate the best of defences.

    FAVOURITE UNITED VS ARSENAL MOMENT: A certain 8-2 moment springs to mind!

    WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have a few locations to choose from which they can call home.  In Dubai matches are shown at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza. For those who prefer Sheesha, they can enjoy the games at Petals, Time Oak Hotel, Barsha Heights (formerly known as Tecom). As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are shown at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.

    FACEBOOK: MUSC UAE

    TWITTER: @MUSC_UAE

    INSTAGRAM: @MUSCUAE

    Richard Dcruze, Arsenal UAE Supporters Club Dubai

    How much will Hector Bellerin be missed as a threat down that right side?

    His blistering pace and link-up play with fellow speedster Theo Walcott down the right flank is exactly what we’ve been needing to break down defences on the counter.

    The way he annihilated Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season clearly shows what the boy is capable of. Manchester United will be relieved not to go through that on Saturday.

    Who would do better against United’s depleted defence – Alexis Sanchez or Olivier Giroud?

    Despite scoring a brace against Uruguay with a hamstring injury midweek, it would be advisable to bench or rest Sanchez this match and let Giroud have a run.

    November is our cursed month and we can’t afford to have our best players lined up in the treatment room – especially when we still have a tough run of fixtures from now until the end of the year.

    November has been Arsene Wenger’s worst month, averaging 1.59 points per game. Is this where it could all go wrong?

    November is the month we fans do not look forward to at all. We’re having an amazing run, playing some beautiful football and overcoming all obstacles that oppositions have been throwing our way. Scoring goals isn’t really the issue here, it’s all about conceding.

    Over the years we’ve always had to do with a makeshift defence because of injuries, and then watch teams just plant in one goal after the other. But the ‘KosTafi’ partnership looks extremely solid; probably the best defensive partnership in the league I’ve seen since Ferdinand-Vidic. So, I wouldn’t really worry about conceding this time around.

    SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester United 1 – 2 Arsenal

    LIKELY ARSENAL XI: Cech; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal; Xhaka, Ramsey; Ozil, Iwobi, Walcott; Giroud

    ARSENAL PLAYER TO WATCH: Mesut Ozil – The German has been in impeccable form since the closing stages of last season, and our best player on the pitch in the new campaign. He’s created 27 chances this season – three of which ended up being assists – and scored three goals as well. Seeing him torment #Pogback and Co. in midfield will be a joy to watch.

    UNITED PLAYER TO FEAR: Marcus Rashford – My choice here would’ve definitely been Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Not only because he’s United’s top scorer, but he’s just that damn good!

    But the Swede is suspended and Arsenal need to watch out for young Rashford. I don’t think I need to mention what he did to us last season now, do I?

    FAVOURITE UNITED VS ARSENAL MOMENT: September 21, 2003 – “The Battle of Old Trafford”: The match saw a combined total of 31 fouls, which took rivalry between the two teams take up a notch. Patrick Viera was given his marching orders thanks to some theatrics by Nistelrooy – who in turn got what he deserved when he missed his penalty in the last minute of added time and saw our boys mock him to embarrassment.

    The match ended goalless and the rest, as you know, is history. *cough*49 undefeated*cough*

    WHERE TO WATCH: The Arsenal UAE Supporters Club’s Dubai branch will gather at Q Bar in Holiday Inn, Al Barsha. Gooners in the capital can do the terrace chants with fellow supporters at Harvesters in Holiday Inn Downtown, Abu Dhabi.

    For more information please contact [email protected]

    FACEBOOK: Arsenal UAE

    TWITTER: @AFCUAE

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