Arsenal vs Man utd 1/22/12

5th placed Arsenal take on 2nd placed Manchester United this sunday. This fixture was once at the top of the ratings in recent years in the premier league. With Arsenal being less of a threat lately, that position now belongs to the Manchester City/Manchester United derby. That fixture holds more prestige.

Arsenal need a win, they are fifth but are four points adrift of Chelsea who are fourth. Newcastle United and Liverpool are right behind Arsenal. A loss could mean a drop to 6th or 7th in a worst case scenario.

The last time these two met United handed out a cruel thrashing to the tune of 8-2 earlier this season. Arsenal are certainly not avenging that defeat. Since that disaster, Arsenal have faired better and their top scorer Robin Van Persie has scored 20 goals in 20 appearances. Never has the term one-man-team been more appropriate.

Arsenal's other forwards have been poor. So poor that they have been forced to re-sign legendary player Henry on a 2 month loan from New York Red Bulls. Manchester United on the other hand have explosive forwards like Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Berbatov and Chicharito who are ready to pull the trigger at any half chance. It will be tight, but I see another United win. My prediction? 1-2 Watch the game on Foc Soccer Channel this sunday at 11 a.m.