Sunday, April 13, 2008

Manchester United - Arsenal

Tonight is Arsenal's last chance to salvage their season, with Champions League hopes dashed and Premier League chances hanging by a thread. A win at Old Trafford would bring the Gunners within three points of United with four to play, and would set up a dramatic finish between United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

As much as this scenario would be thrilling from an observer's view, it is unlikely to materialize, as Arsenal will probably not be able to go into Old Trafford and steal three points this evening. Flamini is out injured, though so too is Vidic for Man Utd. Both teams will look to exploit the other's weakened defense with two of the most potent and dangerous attacks in the world, but Arsenal's defense is more of a liability at the moment and thus look poised to conced at least one goal, if not two or three this evening. Playing on the road, Arsenal's only hopes for victory are in 1-0 or possibly 2-1 scorelines, but forecasting only once concession to the flying Uniteds would be a dicey proposition. Arsenal's back four have been inconsistent all season, but were sorely responsible for their gutting defeat at Anfield in Champions League last Tuesday. It all falls on Senderos, Toure, Gallas and Clichy again tonight, to keep United out of the net and to save Arsenal's season.

Don't hold your breath.

No comments: