Will this game be won in midfield?
I hope so because Arsenal’s midfield is superior. This is the last title shot for Scholes and Giggs because neither of them can play as well next season as they have this season, and it will soon be curtains for the Solskjaer too. For those three, it’s now or never. If United midfield was strong enough they would not be trying to sign Owen Hargreaves for £20 million
Will Saturday’s Anfield result have an impact on the way Arsene and Sir Alex approach the game?
Yes, I’m sure it will. That is why it’s hard to write this now, before Liverpool play Chelsea. If they beat Chelsea 1-0, and United beat Arsenal, it’s a nine-point lead with 14 to play and United should cruise it. If Liverpool win, Man United will take risks and really go for it. If they lose, they’re still six points ahead of Chelsea, right? How bad is that?
Would you play Petr Cech in a headguard?
Absolutely not. If he gets another injury in the same place place as his skull fracture, it will be a tragedy. For me, he’s been rushed back too soon after a traumatic injury. Some neurologists think he should not play again. I’m nervous about it and I really don’t want to see Cech hurt again. I wouldn’t bring him back at Anfield. If I brought him back this season I’d bring him back in a home game with John Terry in front of him. Cech has been one of the heroes of Stamford Bridge for two years, so I would bring him back at Stamford Bridge.
Will it be Saha or Larsson up front ?
Well, Saha is bringing 30 of his relatives over from the West Indies, so I think it will be Saha with Larsson on the bench. Saha was two yards faster than anybody in the Championship the year he brought Fulham up, and he is quick in the Premier too. He has skill, bottle, pace and, most crucially, fantastic movement. If Arsenal concentrate they can contain Saha. If they ball-watch, Carrick, Scholes or Rooney will play him in and Arsenal could concede.
Will United’s flank players love the width of the Emirates pitch?
Yes. Highbury was too narrow for them in the Beckham-Giggs years. But it might be Evra and Neville putting in the crosses rather than Giggs or Ronaldo. They will hit far more crosses than Arsenal and if they don’t win the first balls they’re sharp on the second balls and Scholes and Rooney can score with shots from 25 yards.
Hoyte or Eboue?
I’d stick with a winning team. United would wind Eboue up and he would fall for it.
Why are you previewing the game like this and not in a themed article?
I don’t know. It’s easier to write like this, quicker and easier. No clear theme suggests itself in this game, and the matchwinner could be anybody, if there is a matchwinner. Two days ago I thought this game would be a draw. I figured : Arsenal don’t want to lose an Emirates game for the first time to Sir Alex and his red devils, so they will keep it very tight. By Thursday I was sure it would be a draw.
But now, on Friday night, I’m more inclined to think there will be a winner. Arsenal want two wins over United and believe they can beat them. Their spirit is very good and they’re playing well. Both teams are playing well but I think Arsenal can shade a thriller.
Yes, United wil be stronger in the air, more dangerous on set-pieces. But Arsenal will be stronger on the deck and will create more in open play.
Fabregas can play his best game of the season, Hleb can play the game of his life, and Rosicky can score the first goal. A victory would put a big nasty spoke in the all-conquering chariot of commander Alex of Aberdeen.