Pre-game jitters

Right, as many of you (if not all) will know, I am an Arsenal fan, and some might say a pessimistic one (I say realist). I'm not expecting much from this season, maybe an F.A or Capital One Cup, a standard get out of the Champions League group stage and get knocked out at the quarter-final & a fourth, maybe third place league finish.

Coming up on Saturday is possibly Arsenal's biggest game of the season against long time league rivals Manchester United, despite not being anywhere near Arsenal in a geographical nature, Man United have always been Arsenal's rivals in terms of silverware and league standings, apart from in the last few years where the North Londoners have slowed down somewhat while Man United have kicked on while Sir Alex carries on in the twilight of his career winning trophies left, right and centre.

Yes, I am a pessimist, both at watching Arsenal play and in life itself, but whenever Arsenal play Manchester United I never expect anything else but a loss for some reason, mainly because Man United are Arsenal's top four bogey team, when the only victories I can remember over Man United in recent years add up to a grand total of about three (since 2006-ish). There seems to be something about Sir Alex's men that Arsene Wenger & company just can't seem to suss out. It's like there's a mental barrier and lack of confidence around the team, just like the one that eminates whenever Arsenal have the sniff of a trophy in their collective nostrils.

The thing that really gets me and that I'm scared of is not that Man United will beat Arsenal, because that in itself isn't a huge blow. Arsenal were never going to challenge for the title and it's been obvious that Arsenal are not on Man United's level (as much as it pains me to say it), but if Robin Van Persie scores against Arsenal I don't think I would be able to stomach such a blow to my Arsenal heart. The man had one good season for Arsenal, after Arsenal showed all the faith in him throughout his injury-ravaged time at the Gunners and the first sniff of a move where he would get more money (and arguably a better chance at a trophy) he ups sticks and moves to a rival - the line which must not be crossed in football. He claimed that it was the 'little boy' in him that cried out for a move to Man United.. wait, the little boy in you supported Arsenal, didn't it Robin?

When Van Persie signed for Man United it was like a dagger in every Arsenal back on the planet, but he has joined a team with undoubted class. With the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez & Danny Welbeck joining him upfront it can be understood that Van Persie has joined a team with a good pedigree. Going forward is not where Man United have a problem though, it is at the back that Arsenal's misfiring frontline might actually be able to take advantage. Man United's defence has been uncharacteristically leaky this season with Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra among others have been culpable for mistakes which have cost goals, the big question is will Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud & co be able to take advantage of the Red Devils shakiness at the back? Signs so far this season can suggest not with Arsenal struggling to score in a lot of games this season, despite their build-up play and overall play being good, they simply have not been clinical enough in finding the net.

Arsenal's defence has improved notably from this time last season where they made their leakiest start to a Premiership season ever (conceding eight in this very game didn't help matters), but this will be another test on the scale of Man City and Chelsea than the tough last couple of games against the QPR's and Norwich's of this world (with all due respect). Arsenal's defence played well in the games against Chelsea & Man City but their zonal marking wall was reduced to rubble due to all three goals conceded in those two games being from set-pieces, despite Arsenal's improved defence in open play, they still look shaky at set-pieces.. which is something Sir Alex may no doubt look to exploit.

Obviously any team who go to Old Trafford see a draw as a good result because it is one of the strongest fortresses in the Premiership. But if Arsenal manage to grab any kind of result against Man United this weekend I will be ecstatic to say the least, not least due to Arsenal's staggering form lately.