Man for man I feel that we are stronger than them over the pitch, we surely will overrun them but what we will have to be careful of is their wide players

The first big game of season 2009/2010 is almost here, these are the games that millions pay attention to. Arsene Wenger will want to put his new finely tuned vehicle to the test and one of the most trickiest tracks in the Premier League is at Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas has been declared as not fit enough to be part of the squad which is a shame in one aspect, his passing and creativity will be missed but at the same time Arsene can balance it up by adding Diaby’s physical strength and running power.

With our midfield pretty much picking itself I am looking forward to watching how both teams counter act each other. In the last few seasons it has been Manchester United doing the pressing and stopping us from playing our game, they pressed us high up the pitch and attacked our back four. The first leg of the Champions League semi final was a perfect example of this but now the Arsenal team are doing exactly the same, pressing the ball high up the pitch with our forwards with Denilson, Song and likely Diaby to be doing the same behind them.

Patrice Evra is often an outlet for Manchester United on the left and that could have been a problem if Bendtner didn’t track him when he went forward so do not be surprised to see Eboue picked ahead of Bendtner as a right sided forward as his pace and defensive ability will help the team stop Evra and Rooney should he be advised to pull to the left.

One of the many interesting duels that will be taking place is that of Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas against Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. Both of our central defenders have had a great start to the season but they have not as yet been bombarded by a strong attacking team which Manchester United are.

Alex Ferguson will want to make sure he has enough numbers in midfield so you have to wonder if Rooney will start alongside Berbatov or if Rooney will be pushed back to his wide position that he reluctantly played last season against the top sides.

Manchester United will still be without Rio Ferdinand and I think our nimble attackers can take advantage of that. Andrey Arshavin looked sharp when he came on against Celtic and I just feel that Old Trafford is the stage where show what he can do. I predict to see our little Russian jogging away with his finger over his lips at some point during the game.

Man for man I feel that we are stronger than them over the pitch, we surely will overrun them but what we will have to be careful of is their wide players. If Ferguson goes with Nani or/and Valencia then the likes of Denilson and Song will have their work cut out.

This is why selecting Eboue will be vital to our team.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

It is just about time we played them at their own game and fight for the right to play football. We can play football better than any in this league so we have to make sure we can match the work rate of the Manchester United players who will be more than up for this game as they are whenever we play them.

I have been struggling with a prediction with the score line, 2-1 was my original choice but I just feel that the whole team will be so fired up to stop the opposition and our front players are more than overdue a clicking goal scoring performance.

Come on boys, it is time to show this league how good we really are.