da aviator aposta： Arsenal and Manchester United has become English football’s answer to Ali-Frasier. Many have come and gone, but the heavyweight duo continue to do battle despite the challenges of stronger opposition.
da bet7k： The Red Devils remain undefeated at home against the Gunners since 2006, but this Saturday’s clash may be the North Londoners’ finest chance to end that poor run.
Jose Mourinho’s side face the difficult task of ending Arsenal’s ten game unbeaten streak in the Premier League – stemming back to the opening game of the season. United, on the contrary, have secured just one victory in six Premier League games.
Arsenal continue their poor performances against some of the bigger teams in the Premier League with Chelsea proving their only major scalp this season. But impressive results against lower table opposition ensure the Gunners remain title contenders.
At Football FanCast, we’ve been contemplating what the ideal starting XI combining both teams would look like. After much debate, this is who we’ve picked for our Arsenal-United combined XI.
GK: David De Gea
Having to drop Petr Cech for De Gea is undeniably a tough decision but the Spaniard’s consistency over the last three seasons keeps him as one of the best in the world.
De Gea could be discussed as the best shot-stopper on the planet and the argument exists as to whether he is superior to Manuel Neuer. De Gea continues to prove his worth, but Cech’s experience can be invaluable when it comes to the big occasion.
RB: Hector Bellerin
Injury to Mathieu Debuchy forced Bellerin into the first-team and the Spanish international has not looked back. The speed of improvement from Bellerin during the past eighteen months can only be looked upon with enormous respect.
His ability to both attack and defend has catapulted his status to one of the Premier League’s best full-backs. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Bellerin is set to miss the United game, and every other for six weeks, through injury.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
With such huge competition for places in central defence, Mustafi has been the most impressive defender for either club this campaign.
The £35million summer signing does not look out of place and his effect on this Gunners side cannot be denied.
Mustafi has all the credentials to become an Emirates icon and his partnership with Laurent Koscielny remains one of the best in the Premier League. You must ponder why Everton released the German international all those years ago.
CB: Eric Bailly
Like Mustafi, Bailly’s been hugely impressive since his summer move to United. His athleticism and strength have witnessed him become the club’s most exciting defender – and signing of the summer.
A partnership of Mustafi and Bailly would massively complement each other and with them both younger than 25, their prime years are yet to come.
Bailly’s injury to United has witnessed an unsettled defensive unit and his absence is a significant blow ahead of Saturday’s game.
LB: Luke Shaw
There isn’t a better young left-back in world football than Luke Shaw. The potential the 21-year-old possess is terrifying, considering the enormous quality he’s already demonstrated in the Premier League.
A devastating leg break last season has not halted the progression of the Red Devils starlet and Shaw only likely to further develop in the coming years.
Ashley Cole is labelled as England’s greatest ever left-back but Shaw can push for a status larger than his predecessor.
DM: Granit Xhaka
For the best part of a decade, Arsenal have been desperate for a holding midfielder with the capability of Xhaka.
The Swiss midfielder’s input has been sensational and he remains the best defensive midfielder that either club currently possesses.
If Xhaka can contain his disciplinary record, then his legacy at Arsenal could be iconic. Wenger has needed a signing like Xhaka for numerous years, and his steely nature improves Arsenal’s chances of success.
CM: Paul Pogba
In a midfield trio, Pogba has shown just why United forked out a whopping £89million to bring him back to Old Trafford. Pogba edges Ramsey out for this role as the Frenchman’s ability seemingly knows no bounds.
A holding midfielder would provide Pogba with more freedom for expression on the pitch. As witnessed at Juventus, Pogba can become the best midfielder of his generation – but his work at United has left a lot to be desired so far.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
It’s that time of the year again, when Ozil is destroying opposition defences for fun. The German continues to showcase his status as one of the world’s best playmakers.
The record signing is undeniably the best playmaker between both clubs and is worthy of his place in this side. Ozil suffers a lot of criticism for his failure to produce the goods on the big occasion but he’s entering Saturday’s match in phenomenal form.
LW: Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez could claim to be the league’s most in-form player currently and he’s someone United will need to give extra caution towards on Saturday.
The Chile international is far superior to Anthony Martial or any other Arsenal player when deployed on the left or up front. In all honesty, he’s possibly too good for Arsenal and should be playing on a bigger stage.
Sanchez has taken over the role as Arsenal’s marquee player and his importance in the side cannot be overstated.
RW: Theo Walcott
Walcott’s significance for Arsenal has dramatically grown since last season with the England winger currently in the form of his career. Nine goals already this campaign have Arsenal fans pondering whether he can finally achieve his potential since moving to the club in 2006.
Juan Mata would be a superb competitor, but Walcott can win games single-handed when firing on all cylinders. Wenger has started to view Walcott as a prime member of his starting XI.
ST: Marcus Rashford
Ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud, Rashford’s a sensational talent and could be discussed as the most natural finisher of the trio.
His Premier League debut witnessed him slay the Gunners last February and the potential of the youngster verges upon world-class.
Can Rashford emulate the successes of previous United forwards? He’s got all the ability to achieve just that and a starring role against Arsenal this weekend will take him further along that journey.