Another week and another stand out game in the Premier League as Arsenal make the trip up north to take on Manchester United.
That game is part of a triple header on Sunday after a full slate of games on Saturday. Excellent stuff I’m sure you’ll agree and here I am, as always, to provide three things for you to look out for this weekend:
1) Arsenal to prove themselves at Old Trafford
Incredibly, the last time Arsenal won at Old Trafford was 2006 thanks to an Emmanuel Adebayor goal which was set up by Cesc Fabregas. Since then, Arsenal have struggled to compete with United who have enjoyed much success as Arsenal’s infamous trophy drought continued.
This season, however, Arsenal are soaring; five points clear at the top of the league and they go into this game having claimed a brilliant victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. United, on the other hand, struggled early on but David Moyes is beginning to find his feet and they have now gone seven games unbeaten.
Things are set up very nicely, then, for Sunday’s match up and look for Arsenal to prove that they are contenders as they try to complete a fantastic week having defeated Liverpool, Dortmund on Wednesday with a victory at Old Trafford which would see them go 11 points clear of United.
2) Newcastle to continue surprising
It was all a bit of a shambles last season for Newcastle. Alan Pardew seemed to panic buy and bring in a lot of players at once who no manager could integrate straight away due to the sheer volume of new faces. Anyway, after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and the ill-advised appointment of Joe Kinnear, Newcastle fans could be forgiven for being a little apprehensive ahead of the new campaign.
It hasn’t been that bad, though. The acquisition of Loic Remy was a fantastic bit of business and maintaining the services of Yohan Cabaye was vital as he has been one of the team’s outstanding performers.
They sit in ninth position following their outstanding win against Chelsea last weekend and the Magpies now travel to London to play Spurs and I wouldn’t bet against them getting a result at White Hart Lane.
3) The upcoming interlull
After the weekend’s action there will be a break for international football. Yes, I know, it is annoying but FIFA are adamant that every last drop of money must be squeezed from the fans so play-offs must be carried out as well as pointless friendlies which will probably lead to key players from your team being injured.
So, bearing the interlull in mind, there will be no ‘Three things…’ next week but fear not, it shall return the week after.
Til’ then.
