Arsenal will take on Manchester United, the new Premier League champions, at their home ground Emirates Stadium, London on Sunday. Robin van Persie will return to his old ground for the first time after moving from Arsenal to Manchester United last summer.
The match will begin at 08:30 pm IST on Sunday and it will be telecast live in India on Star Sports and ESPN HD. It will also be live streamed online on Star Sports official website.
Overview:
Arsenal will form a guard of honour for the new champions Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday before the match begins, returning the respect shown by Alex Ferguson's men when the Gunners won the title in 1991.
Manchester United are on top of the Barclays Premier League table with 84 points, winning 27, drawing three and losing four from 34 games played so far. Having sealed the title against Aston Villa on Monday night, Alex Ferguson is expected to rotate the squad for Sunday's game.
Arsenal are placed third on the table with 63 points after winning 18, drawing nine and losing seven from 34 games. They are above the fourth placed Chelsea and fifth placed Tottenham by just one point, so they need to win not only to spoil Manchester United's party but also to ensure a place in the top four in order to qualify for the Champions League.
Previous Meetings:
Manchester United have 6-1 win-lost record against Arsenal in their last seven Premier League meetings.
Team News:
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta may not play on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in the game against Fulham. So, Jack Wilshere is expected to take the midfield along with Aaron Ramsey.
Olivier Giroud is serving a three-match ban after being shown red card in the previous game, so, Arsene Wenger may field either Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski.
Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted reshuffle for Sunday's game. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who missed the previous game, are expected to return to the side following Jonny Evans' injury. Michael Carrick picked up an injury in the match against Aston Villa, so, players like Danny Welbeck, Chicharito, Tom Cleverley and Nani could take his place.
Paul Scholes could return to the team and Ferguson had said that Phil Jones could be placed in the midfield. Robin van Persie, who helped the team clinch the title a few days ago, could be rested for the match against his former.
Prediction:
Arsenal will be keen to win on Sunday and have home ground advantage but considering the current form, Manchester United are the favourite to win.
Probable Line-Ups:
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski
MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Buttner, Cleverley, Jones, Welbeck, Kagawa, Nani, Chicharito
