Arsenal’s defense has been appalling, particularly on set pieces, while Manchester United has so far failed to impose their traditionally muscular side on their opponents. Strangely, goalkeeping has not been the concern it should be in London, with Lukasz Fabianski offering more consistency than was believed possible. At United, there have been times when the communication between United ace Edwin Van der Saar and his back four has been erratic.
Arsenal has also been depleted by a steady stream of defensive injuries: latest to go down was left-back Kieran Gibbs, who injured his ankle in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Partizan. He joins Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles’), and Abou Diaby (ankle) as key men likely to be absent for Monday’s clash. The only other legit central defender Arsenal have on their books, Johan Djourou, may be able to make a return from his thigh injury while wingback Gael Clichy is expected to be fit after a bout of flu. Also questionable for the match is Fabregas (hamstring), who will certainly play if able, given the paucity of other options.
United have their own injury woes, but not in numbers. Scholes (groin) and Rio Ferdinand (hamstring) may not pass fitness for Monday’s match, and Valencia, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen remain long term doubts.
What United do have are solid core players in Berbatov, defender Nemanja Vidic, winger Nani and midfielder Park Ji-Sung. Rooney seems to be finally showing flashes of his old form, and United have slowly grown in confidence as the season as gone on.
The best thing that Arsenal have going for them is that they are a far better team this season on the road. But it’s hard to see how a team that has now had to play two straight emotionally-draining matches, and is missing so many key players, can handle United’s withering flank play.
Jamie Trecker is a senior writer for FoxSoccer.com covering the UEFA Champions League and European football.
