Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Premier League, Old Trafford
August 29, 12.15 EST

United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---O'Shea----Vidic----Brown----Evra----
--Valencia--Carrick--Fletcher--Nani--
--------Rooney------Berbatov---------

Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney - A bit of a no brainer of a pick, but Rooney has to bring it once again against Arsenal. He was instrumental in both of United's wins so far this campaign and to pick up a win against undoubtedly United's toughest opponent yet will require another dominating performance from Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin - The Russian superstar has yet to really shine with Arsenal yet this season and a match at Old Trafford is the perfect time for him to show the Arsenal supporters what they've been waiting for. He could have a massive impact against United.

Prediction:
Manchester United 2:1 Arsenal
Goals: Wayne Rooney, Andrei Arshavin, Michael Owen

Over the past few years Arsenal-United matches have been some of the best the Premier League has provided. When the two teams play they almost always provide an end-to-end fast pace match. Expect a similar game at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have started the season very well, but they still have their fair share of doubters, a result at Old Trafford would go a long way to help change these peoples' minds. On the other side despite a 5-0 win at Wigan, United have yet to really prove themselves against top quality opposition. This match against Arsenal will be their first opportunity to do so.

Both teams will play an attacking brand of football in what is sure to be a very open game. I have Rooney scoring the opener with United pressing on, but Arshavin equalizing. I think Michael Owen may play a role coming off the bench as it looks like he will almost certainly be relegated to a sub role for most of the season.

Manchester United have to be looking at this game as the perfect opportunity to put their new look 4-4-2 up to the test against top opposition. Many have question how effective the 4-4-2 will prove against a team as quick as Arsenal so it will be interesting to see the final result. A lot will come down to the way Fletcher and Carrick (or whoever is playing in the centre of midfield) handles the Arsenal attack.

All in all expect this early test for both squads to provide an entertaining match.