Manchester United Preview: Cesc doesn’t travel 28 August, 2009

It seems a bit early in the season for a game as big as this but for either team it could be a massive confidence boost for the winner. Man United haven’t had the greatest of starts ever and with quite a few players out we might actually for once be fancied at Old Trafford.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I think we do have a chance tomorrow. We’ve started well this season and confidence should be high. This is the first big test though and this is where we find out just how well we really are playing. However Celtic Park was tough and Goodison Park is a difficult place to go (despite how Everton played that day), so you could say that this isn’t our first tricky away trip.

We’ll have to go there without Cesc Fabregas who has been ruled out. Obviously it’s a massive blow but we’re just going to have to cope. We have plenty of other great players and everyone in our side is capable of the kind of balls Cesc is known for. I’m sure he is gutted, he loves the big games like this and would’ve done everything he can to get fit but Wenger says he is not 100% and will not travel.

He is back in training though and Wenger did say he looked positive so we can look forward to him returning after the international break. Tomas Rosicky is also back with the squad but tomorrow is too soon for him. We could see him too at Manchester City. Theo Walcott could also return in a couple of weeks which would be good to see. I’m looking forward to what TW14 can do this season. Part of my excitement could be down to this video.

Aaron Ramsey is also a doubt for tomorrow with the injury he picked up Wednesday night but I don’t think he was expecting to start anyway. Here’s how I see the starting XI:

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Song
Diaby – Denilson
Bendtner – van Persie (c) – Arshavin

I think it is a choice between Diaby and Eboue for Fabregas’ place in the team, they have both put in good performances in recent games so hopefully they can reproduce that tomorrow. Whatever happens I hope Wenger sticks with the formation that has served us well so far this season.

I have been very impressed with Thomas Vermaelen this season but tomorrow he can show us just how good he is at the very top level. He says he is looking forward to the game and isn’t nervous. I’m not nervous about him either, I think he is absolute quality and he and Gallas look like the makings of a great partnership. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does tomorrow.

As for Man United, they are without Rio Ferdinand, Van der Sar and Rafael meaning they will have promising ‘keeper Ben Foster in goal with Jonny Evans partnering Vidic in defense. We have to see those injuries as a bit of a bonus – it doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy but the home side will certainly miss Ferdinand and Van der Sar.

I don’t know what more to say, this is Arsenal vs. Man United – you don’t need to hype it up, it’s the game of the season. I wish I was going up to Manchester, those of you who are enjoy it and do us proud. The rest of you I expect to fill pubs and living rooms wherever you are.

Enjoy the game. Thanks for reading. COME ON YOU GUNNERS.