Arsenal have more significant fish to fry over the next five days as they prepare for a season-defining Europa League semi-final return leg with Atletico Madrid. But Manchester United represent such iconic opponents, not only for the north London club but also Arsene Wenger who could undertake his last ever trip to Old Trafford this Sunday.
So will it be an encounter worthy of providing the closing chapters in Wenger’s rivalries with both United and Jose Mourinho, or could the need to prioritise Europe see Sunday’s clash reduce to something of a post-season friendly? This week’s Arsenal experts, Josh Challies from Omnisport and TikiTaka Connor, share their thoughts and predictions ahead of the 4.30pm kickoff…
After so many seasons of stagnation, Arsenal suddenly find themselves amid a period of change and uncertainty with Wenger stepping down and his replacement yet to be confirmed. But the announcement appears to have reunited a divided fan base for the final few games of the season, one that could still end in Champions League qualification for the Gunners.
Has Wenger announced his departure at the right time?
Connor: “It was the perfect time. The importance is how it’s reunited the fan base and the stadium is a sell out, with all-out support for the side and Wenger in his final few matches. That can only help Arsenal qualify for the Champions League.”
Josh: “I think it will be massive. Arsenal’s focus will certainly be on Thursday’s trip to Madrid but the visiting supporters will certainly want a memorable final game for Wenger at Old Trafford. I wanted this decision to be announced early in order to give Wenger the send off he deserves and I think he’ll get exactly that.”
Away form has been a real problem for Arsenal this season, something that should only stand out more at Old Trafford where United have failed to win just four of 17 games. In fact, the Gunners are currently 13th in the Premier League’s away table, level on points with Southampton, and are the only team in English football’s top four divisions yet to win a point on the road in 2018.
What are the key factors behind Arsenal’s abysmal away form?
Josh: “Lack of control, perhaps? Laurent Koscielny is hardly the inspiring figure we need and we also lack that sort of player in the middle and between the sticks. We need someone who’s capable of throwing the cat amongst the pigeons, as we’re often far too comfortable. We need to play like we want to win, rather than expecting that we will – that arrogance is costly, as it swiftly switches into fear when we’re under pressure.”
Connor: “It’s almost as if because there is nobody to get on their backs away from home, the players feel like they don’t have to perform to the same standards. Very disappointing.”
Wenger would no doubt love to claim a win during what will be potentially his last ever trip to Old Trafford, but the Europa League clash will surely take priority. It gives the Frenchman a huge chance to end his final season at Arsenal with not only a trophy but also a return to the Champions League, the competition that Wenger has devoted much of his tenure to remaining in.
How much rotation do you expect to see on Sunday?
Josh: “It’s a difficult balance, as we need to rotate but we also need some momentum. I expect Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey will be amongst those rotated out, with Aubameyang certainly starting. It’d be great to see Reiss Nelson given a chance on the wing and Ainsley Maitland-Niles playing in central midfield, his natural position. I’d also like to see Eddie Nketiah get some minutes.”
Connor: “I would rest Danny Welbeck and Lacazette – it is a meaningless game for the club by all accounts. The priority is the Europa League, so Arsenal will need to be fresh for that.”
And where will this game be lost and won?
Connor: “The key battle for me will be Calum Chambers against Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial. Chambers got wrecked against Newcastle and the pace of the United wingers could easily show him up even more.”
Josh: “In defence. Arsenal were excellent at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season but couldn’t get past David De Gea, while our woeful defence fell apart to get them a win. We need to remain organised and resilient, we can’t get caught out and we must ensure we don’t make silly mistakes. As we’ve seen this season though, that’s easier said than done.”
Finally lads, let’s hear your score predictions…
Josh: “The optimist in me says an exciting 2-2 draw, the realist says a scrappy 1-0 loss.”
Connor: “Man United 1-1 Arsenal.”
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