The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThere are two key battles that could determine the result of this game. Firstly, Theo Walcott vs Daley Blind. Walcott has netted four goals so far this season and his lightening pace is almost impossible to defend against. Daley Blind has had a relatively good start to the season at centre back, but has displayed his defensive naivety and could be caught out by the pace of the Arsenal forward. So it is essential that Blind gets his positioning correct when defending against Walcott, otherwise the Dutchman could face a tough 90 minutes.
Secondly, Per Mertesacker vs Anthony Martial. It seems likely that Per Mertesacker will step in for the injured Laurent Koscienly, and the first thought that comes to mind is…lack of pace. Mertesacker often gets caught out when it comes to teams playing counter attacking football, and with the pace Martial offers the German could be in a spot of bother. The World Cup winner has been in and out of the Arsenal first team due to illness, and his team mate Gabriel has impressed when called upon, displaying his pace and aggression which Arsenal have lacked in recent years. This could be the opportunity Mertesacker needs to win back his starting position.
Both teams will be desperate for a win to give them the edge in the title race, but who will come out on top? Will the league leaders prove their worth? Or will Arsenal ruin United’s impressive start to their league campaign?
Predicted starting line ups:
Arsenal:
Cech, Bellerin, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott
Manchester United:
De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Rooney, Depay, Martial
