Arsenal V Manchester United

This pick is out much earlier than usual for me but its a game that i cant wait for,
Here goes

Arsenal V Manchester Utd

Arsenal face their second big test inside a week as they take on the reigning champions.
Arsenal are playing very well so far this season and Henry has now become a distant memory. Players are playing with confidence and flair and even at this early stage, Cesc Fabregas looks certain to get the player of the year award. The only blip at the moment is the knee injury to Robin Van Persie but he is expected back in a few short weeks.
At home Arsenal have finally got over their early stadium jitters and there is now no doubt that the Emirates has become a fortress. A 100% record at home this season makes impressive reading. Also the fact that they have scored 16 goals and only conceded 4. But United represent a much bigger challenge than Arsenal have had to face so far.

Arsenal last 6 home

12 Aug 07 Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham
25 Aug 07 Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester City
2 Sep 07 Arsenal 3 - 1 Portsmouth
22 Sep 07 Arsenal 5 - 0 Derby County
7 Oct 07 Arsenal 3 - 2 Sunderland
20 Oct 07 Arsenal 2 - 0 Bolton


Man Utd on the other hand seem to have got over their bad start to the season. Early results including a derby defeat away to rivals Man City have been forgotten about and recent results have made much better viewing for fans. Four goals in each of their last four games is a great return and Tevez and Rooney finally look to have clicked. Incidentally, both were excellent in the 4 – 1 thrashing of Villa last time out.
Their away record is still impressive having recorded wins away at venues such as Everton, Birmingham and Villa, though you would expect a team the calibre of United to be winning these such games.

Manchester United last 6 away

15 Aug 07 Portsmouth 1 - 1 Man United
19 Aug 07 Manchester City 1 - 0 Man United
15 Sep 07 Everton 0 - 1 Man United
29 Sep 07 Birmingham City 0 - 1 Man United
20 Oct 07 Aston Villa 1 - 4 Man United


This promises to be a cracking 1st V 2nd clash. Last year Arsenal did a memorable double over United and Manchester will be out to get some revenge. Theres very little between the sides in terms of ability, when Arsenal get the time to pass it about then they are one of the best sides around. United will have to be quick to stamp this out and stop Arsenal getting any momentum going. But with Tevez and Rooney finally looking like a partnership up front then its going to take a mammoth performance from Toure and Senderos to keep them out for 90 minutes.
Likewise with Fabregas in irresitable form and Rosicky and Hleb playing with confidence its hard to see Arsenal not hitting the net also.

I just cant separate the sides and though il be rooting for an Arsenal victory I think this has draw written all over it. However the best bet to be had here has to be for both teams to score. Both teams have plenty of attacking class and I see something like a 1 – 1 or 2 – 2 draw.

Good luck

PICK
Both teams to score (1.91 @ bet365) 7 points