Arsenal vs Manchester United: 5 key battles to watch out for

#2 Alexis Sanchez vs Antonio Valencia

Sanchez has re-discovered his goal-scoring form in recent weeks

Sanchez has turned a corner ever since that derby win over Tottenham and has managed to get on the scoresheet in his last 3 appearances for the club including a 93rd-minute winner against Burnley from the spot.

With Alexandre Lacazette set to miss out on the clash against United due to a groin injury, the onus will be on the Chilean to deliver in one of their biggest games of the season at a crucial time for both him and the club. It seems as if Sanchez has already made up his mind and probably knows where he is heading after his contract with Arsenal runs out in the summer.

However, it will be in his best interests to keep up this good run of form at least until any move away from the Emirates is officially clear and sanctioned.

Since 2016/17, Alexis Sanchez has been involved in 35 PL goals (24 goals & 11 assists) - More than double any other Arsenal player [Opta] pic.twitter.com/x7v39i39dw

— ArsenalFanTV (@ArsenalFanTV) October 2, 2017

Sanchez will not have it easy when he comes up against United’s Antonio Valencia, who has been a rock at the back for them this season. The Ecuadorian has been one of United’s best defenders so far, thanks to his blistering pace and physicality. There are very few players who can give him a real run for his money in the league and Sanchez could easily be on top of that list.

This South-American battle on the flanks will be heated and is definitely one to keep an eye out for.