Arsenal host Manchester United on Saturday evening in the game of the weekend in the Premier League.
While this may not be the title-influencing clash of yesteryear, it is still rightly one of the standout fixtures in the English domestic calendar.
The Red Devils are desperately looking to close the gap on city rivals Manchester City at the top of the table where as the goal for Arsenal is to secure a top four Champions League berth again.
Here, we look at three key talking points ahead of the clash at the Emirates.
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ARSENE WENGER AND JOSE MOURINHO RENEW RIVALRY
Since 2004, the Special One has been a thorn in the Frenchman’s side and it’s amazing to think that Arsene Wenger had to wait until May of this year for his first league win against a Jose Mourinho-managed side in 13 attempts.
That 2-0 success in north London at the backend of last season didn’t mean a great deal in the grand scheme of things but it was satisfying enough for Wenger.
The touchline and off-the-field battles between the 68-year-old Wenger and Red Devils boss have given the media plenty of storylines down the years – think back to their scuffle in October 2014 at Stamford Bridge, as well as those famous ‘specialist in failure’ remarks.
It’s been a bit more subdued this time around – with Mourinho actually comparing his match-up to Wenger with the iconic Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe clashes of the 1980s at Wimbledon.
It was an interesting comparison given that both of those players always got on with each other and their rivalry was never heated – with the Swede never getting sucked into the theatrics surrounding the American’s tantrums.
But, on Saturday, expect the the Wenger-Mourinho duel to probably resume status quo.
Iconic rivalry: Borg v Mcenroe.
WHO DO ARSENAL CALL UPON TO REPLACE ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE?
It was without doubt a big blow to lose the Frenchman, the club’s leading scorer this term with seven goals, to a groin injury during the win over Huddersfield.
But Lacazette’s replacement, Olivier Giroud, stepped up to the plate with a brace and is likely to be given the responsibility of leading the line against United.
Indeed, he deserves that chance and has largely produced when called upon this term.
The alternate options would be to deploy Alexis Sanchez in a central role or unleash Danny Welbeck, who has has enjoyed playing against his old club of late. The form of Mesut Ozil also provides the Gunners with a welcome platform in which chances will be created.
Giroud scored a brace last time out against the Terriers.
WHO WILL FILL THE VOID LEFT BY NEMANJA MATIC?
The Serbian asked to be withdrawn early in the second-half during United’s 4-2 triumph at Watford due to a muscle injury – and will be a significant miss for the Reds in north London. It is not yet fully known how long the 29-year-old will be out of action and Ander Herrera is the likely man to come in.
The Spaniard, who replaced Matic on Tuesday, can play a similar role and hold his position in a midfield three that will include Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini – if the former Everton star is passed fit.
With the return and form of Pogba, both Herrera and Fellaini should be able to give the Frenchman a cushion to get forward and drive at the Gunners backline. Alternatively, Mourinho could just opt for two central midfield players, instead of a three.
Interestingly, Matic is still set to travel to London, but even if he does declare himself fit, Mourinho is unlikely to want to risk him ahead of next weekend’s Manchester Derby.
Soft centre: United when Matic doesn’t play.
