Arsenal and Manchester United do battle this weekend in what will be an unforgiving away venue for Lous van Gaal.
Despite the fact that this fixture is no longer a direct title-decider, plenty is to play for as both teams are chasing a vital fourth-place and consequently a Champions League spot.
To garner an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked members of the respective supporters clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
Ziad Al Jamman – Manchester United Supporters Club UAE
Arsenal seem to have a mental block when coming up against United as our impressive record against them attests to.
We will look to take momentum from a good win against a very stubborn Crystal Palace last week and grab another vital three points in the race for fourth position.
It will be a battle of the strikers with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in red-hot form for England and the Netherlands respectively.
Against them a resurgent Danny Wellbeck will look to link up with Chilean ace Alexis Sanchez to cause havoc to his former employers.
It will be interesting to see how Arsenal's Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers cope with the direct pace that Di Maria will bring to the game, as they seem to struggle when facing players with pace and trickery.
The internatinoal break has been a costly one for ther Red Devils and news of Daley Blind's inury is a major setback. Hopefully a few players will return for Saturday and can fill the gaps in to protect the makeshift back four.
Score prediction: Arsenal 1 – 2 Man U
Likely United line-up: David De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Mcnair, Shaw, Carrick, Di Maria, Fellaini, Mata, RVP, Rooney
United’s player to watch: Angel Di Maria – The Argentinan ace has a slight injury concern but he can give the Arsenal full backs a nightmare if he is fully fit.
Where to watch: Our local supporters club will be watching the game at our main venue at Dubai Harvesters in Crowne Plaza Sheikh Zayed Road. Some of us can also be found in Nara Shisha Café and Stars n Bars for our Abu Dhabi based fans.
Richard D'cruze – Arsenal UAE Supporters' Club
Arsenal versus Manchester United has always been an exciting fixture to watch over the years, irrespectrive of league position.
The last time the Old Trafford outfit travelled to the Emirates the match ended in a goalless draw, albeit against probably the weakest Manchester United squad we have faced since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Our season so far has been very inconsistent with the Guners winning four games and losing just twice.
Silly draws against lower teams and a disappointing loss to Swansea before the international break have seen fans call for Arsene Wenger’s head, something which has become a regular feature in recent seasons.
A victory for either side will not only see the winner move into the top four, but also make bragging rights even sweeter given the injury crisis both teams are going through. You could say that this match will be our season defining moment.
The good news for us is that Oliver Giroud and club captain Mikel Arteta are both available for selection after completing their injury rehabilitation.
It is highly unlikely to see Giroud to start, but Mikel could definitely lead us out of the tunnel, as we desperately need an enforcer to protect our fragile back four.
Danny Welbeck has become an integral part of our team, and after his double against Slovenia during the Euro qualifier match and he will be out to prove a point to his former side’s manager Louis Van Gaal.
Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Man U
Likely Arsenal line-up: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Sanchez, Welbeck
Arsenal’s player to watch: Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean has become our talisman after scoring nine goals in his last eight matches
Where to watch: The Official Arsenal UAE Supporters Club usually gather at Spirals bar in Grandeur Hotel in Al Barsha. However, due to refurbishment reasons, Arsenal UAE will be gathering at Crown & Lion at Byblos Hotel TECOM for Saturday’s match. For more information please contact [email protected]
