'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAIAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAACU//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQIQAAAAD//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/2gAIAQMQAAAAL//EAB4QAAIBBQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYRQVGR/9oACAEBAAE/AMRptrbxQDIwpMCEeQBoG4SpDr0yggDwfZp9MyaOypFE6KeBmuUBI+1//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgAE/9oACAECAQE/ADoV/8QAGREAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABBBEx/9oACAEDAQE/ADkFlMv/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A big game awaits us, yet again tonight! It's Arsenal taking on the revitalized Manchester United at the Emirates for the second time this season. Last time, the game ended in favour of the Red Devils as they thrashed the home side three goals to one, progressing into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after defeating Chelsea in the fifth round as well.
Arsenal will certainly be looking for revenge on their rivals and this game is much more than just a fixture. A win for Arsenal will leave them just a point behind Spurs, who sit at third, and will most likely seal a Champions League spot for the Gunners, whereas a loss will take them to 6th in case Chelsea wins.
On the other hand, Manchester United will stroll past Spurs if they bag a win with 5 goals or more tonight, which is unlikely but they will be equal on points with the 'Chickens'. However, a defeat at the Emirates will lead them back to 6th if Chelsea comes up big against Wolves.
This is a season-defining game for both the sides and though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is enjoying an incredible run with Manchester United, playing Arsenal at home is always dangerous, which takes us to the first point of this article.
#3 Arsenal's incredible winning streak at home
Arsenal's are on an 8-game winning streak at home, the second-highest in Europe's top 5 leagues, only behind PSG (14). The reason why this is incredible is that if you look at their away games, they are a worse side than a Sunday league team fighting relegation.
They have lost to BATE, Rennes, Southampton, West Ham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea away from home this season, and that is not acceptable. They have been piss poor away from home, but their record at the Emirates is mesmerising.
However, Manchester United's away form under Ole has been nothing short of a masterclass, as they have won 8 away games in a row in all competitions. So either Ole will continue his away winning streak, or Unai Emery will come up big against the Red Devils to keep up with his 8-game winning run, making it 9.
#2 Inclusion of Sokratis
The Gooners are in absolute delight to have the Greek defender play for his side, as he has arguably been Arsenal's best player this season, only behind Torreira. Sokratis, with his strength and quick feet, has upset the best of forwards, including the likes of Harry Kane and Eden Hazard, this season.
The reason why the inclusion of Sokratis in tomorrow's game will play a huge part is that Manchester United had zero shots on target in the first 30 minutes of the game when they last faced Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup. But Sokratis got himself injured in the 30th minute and the home side conceded in the very next minute, as Alexis Sanchez beat Cech to open the scoring.
Just 2 minutes later, Arsenal once again conceded through a counter-attack but this time, the scorer was Lingard. My point is, they didn't have a single shot on target when Sokratis was on the pitch, but as soon as he left they blasted 2 goals past Arsenal's feeble defence line.
Unfortunately, Koscienly got injured as well in the second half and Arsenal had no chance coming back into the tie. They created chances, but with their only two quality center backs sidelined, they had no control during counter attacks and they got outclassed due to it.
Arsenal's defence will rely on Koscienly and Sokratis to put up an enthralling performance tonight because only when a team's defence is strong, their forwards have the freedom to attack more often and without much pressure.
#1 Possession based football vs Counter attacking masterclass
With wingers like Martial, Rashford and Lingard, Manchester United have run riots in every game they have played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ole has learned of his team's abilities within no time and he plays one of the best counter-attacking football in all of England.
On the other hand, Emery has been trying to implement his style of possession-based football on the team, but he hasn't been much convincing yet due to the fact that he doesn't have such players who are press resistant and calm with the ball.
However, we have seen Emery's side play some good counter-attacking football as well. Arsenal's training videos have shown that Emery is making the team learn playing in quick transitions. They have scored some eye-catching goals whilst counter-attacking, most famous being the one against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
By the end of the game, Arsenal will obviously have more possession of the ball, but what matters is how they resist or cease Manchester United's counter-attacking threats from the wings.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Leno, Mustafi, Sokratis, Koscienly, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Mkhitaryan, Ramsey, Iwobi, Lacazette
Predicted Man Utd XI: De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Luke Shaw, Matic, Pogba, Perreira, Rashford, Lukaku, Martial
Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 1 Manchester United
