The Theater of Dreams awaits the conquerors!

After a longtime, I am penning down something. Feels like my writing has bit the dust. And my sole purpose of doing so - Manchester United vs Arsenal, live at the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford. Since the last week I have been hearing stuff, people asking questions, team news, strategies, mind games and the list is never-ending. But then again it's all that goes in the build-up of what perhaps could shape as the game to reckon in the English Premier League.


Arsenal go into this game high on confidence rolling their sleeves after a comfortable win over Fulham. Their 'next in the line to become Henry' (Credits: Arsene Wenger) is in the form of his life scoring two absolute beauties to hand the Cottagers a cruel defeat. Theo Walcott has shown tremendous spontanity and vigor, something that Fabio Capello missed when he left the winger out of the England World Cup squad. Their talismanic striker Robin Van Persie has also recovered from a long injury lay-off and looked in good when he came off the bench for an odd 20 mins or so.

The Gunners' major concern is their defence. With Koscielny and Squillaci still settling down, Wenger has something to worry with his wall. Lucas Fabianski is in great touch and looks certain to get a nod ahead of Almunia who has dropped out-of-favor with Arsene Wenger. Will Fabregas make his mark remains to be seen.

United on the other hand have had their best possible start to the Premier League. 15 games unbeaten and 3rd in the table with a game in hand, the Devils are hanging around in there. Chelsea drew a tough battle with Spurs and this leaves the gates open for Manchester United to go top of the Premier League ahead of their clash with the Champions Chelsea next Sunday. The gap between the Top-5 is just 5 points and any slip-up here can affect the whole season.

Park Ji-Sung has been in prime form for United winning the Barclays Player of the Month award. He has scored in the last two matches for United helping them extend their unbeaten run. Rooney looked sharp in the clash with Blackburn combining well with Dimitar. The White Pele looks certain to start the match. But will Fergie partner him with Berba or Chicarito? Experience says he won't and will field a solid 5-man mid-field with Rooney as a lone striker.

This fixture has given the football world some memorable moments over the years and it sure promises to be another one of those classic matches amidst all the talks making the rounds. Will Arsene's men end United's dream run? Or will the Red Devils stamp their authority to go top of the Premier League?


My money - Manchester United. Whose your money on?




ONE GOD, ONE HEART, ONE MANCHESTER UNITED!

Old Trafford: A battlefield of old enemies

Manchester United Vs. Arsenal, a match eagerly awaited by every football fanatic out there whose heart goes out to either of the two teams. Personally, I wish for Manchester United to win, but Arsenal’s current away record is better than United’s home return so far.

Although the odds seem to be on Arsenal’s side, there is one thing that stands between Arsenal and Victory: “Howard Webb!!” He is the match referee today and may I risk saying, at the cost of sounding too mean, Webb has always been wanting United to win. He’s sometimes denied a clear penalty and even refused a red card or two.

This is going to be a must win for both sides, although many are hoping for a draw. Well, looks like the Red Devils and the Gunners have once again met in their legendary warzone, Old Trafford!  

  
EXPECTED STARTING XI:  


MANCHESTER UNITED:  
Edwin van der Sar  Rafael Da Silva – Rio Ferdinand – Nemanja Vidic – Patrice Evra  Nani – Darren Fletcher – Paul Scholes – Ryan Giggs  Wayne Rooney – Dimitar Berbatov  


ARSENAL:
Lukasz Fabianski  Bacary Sagna – Sebastien Squillaci – Laurent Koscielny – Gael Clichy  Cesc Fabregas – Alexandre Song – Samir Nasri  Marouane Chamakh – Robin van Persie – Andrey Arshavin


                                                              ~~~~ Aunali Bhujwala