Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester United [Image from Flickr by: wonker]

Two sides, that are from two completely different galaxies. The derby stretches back to when Sir Alex Ferguson realized Arsene Wenger would be a threat to his dominion. It was a rivalry worth noting as it was highlighted by not just the managers' behaviors but also two of the clubs' stalwarts- Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira. Fast forward to the future and the sides look completely different. Both sides share several similarities; lack leadership, no steel in the middle of the park and have been displaced as two of the most powerful football sides not just in their respective cities but in British football. Arsenal quenched their trophy drought last season as they won the FA Cup while United have fallen off the radar. Despite over 150 million pounds worth of investment, the most successful side in English football can't manage a run of three or four wins  on the trot. With both sides ravaged by injuries the fixture see two new rivalries; not just Louis Van Gaal vs Arsene Wenger but Alexis Sanchez vs Angel Di Maria.

While Sanchez's star is starting to shine, Di Maria's is beginning to fade. The Argentine is feeling the effects of the Premier league. While many expect one of the two South Americans to grab the headlines, it is fitting that a certain English man heralds his new life. Danny Welbeck has a lot more to prove; not just to the club that made him but to a manager who discarded him claiming "he doesn't score enough goals for a club like Manchester United". This has been his most prolific season for both club and country and there is no better stage than this one to stamp his mark. The former Sunderland loanee is top of the scoring charts in European qualifying and has grown under his time with Arsene Wenger. United will need to be on top of their game with Luke Shaw, and several fans playing down the caliber of Manchester. How the mighty have fallen, and it may get worse should Arsenal claim three points. Several stalwarts are fighting for their Manchester careers and non more than Juan Mata who has faced criticism despite being United's top goal scorer (joint with Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie on 3) having played less minutes.

The scales will be well balanced as the sides walk out onto the Emirates. It can be argued who is at their weakest but when the whistle blows there are eleven sides apiece and winner takes all bragging rights.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2