2228: It's tight at the
top of the Premier League isn't it? The big games are coming thick and
fast too, with Chelsea versus Manchester United the pick of next
weekend's fixtures. Before all that, though, make sure you join
Sam Lyon
on Wednesday night for Utrecht v Liverpool in the Europa League. Thanks for keeping me company - I'll see you all very soon.
Before I go, here's Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on his side's display:
"The technical quality of the game suffered from a very bad pitch and
that's why we've seen both sides make bad technical mistakes. I don't
think we failed to deliver, you have to give credit to United's
defensive quality. We still had a few chances and I thought we were
unlucky to lose."
And Sir Alex on (his close friend) Sam Allardyce being sacked by Blackburn: "I've never heard such a stupid decision in all my life. It's absolutely ridiculous. I wouldn't like to follow him."
Sir Alex Ferguson on his side's 1-0 victory over Arsenal that sent them to the top of the Premier League:
"We had to play well tonight, and we did - particularly in the first
half. In the second half they came into it a little and pegged us back a
bit. It was an unusual pen by Wayne Rooney - I've never known him to
hit one over the bar before. That gave Arsenal some impetus but we
defended magnificently tonight."
OptaJoe on Twitter:
"10 - Arsenal have lost 10 and drawn one of their last 11 games against
Man Utd & Chelsea in all comps, scoring only five goals. Block."
Buffalloz on Twitter:
"Rafael was by far the best performer on the pitch! Stopped the crosses and bombed forward all night! Brilliant display!"
From Alex, Arsenal fan in Nottingham, via text:
"We fully deserved to lose. We looked slow and lacked sharpness. Never
seen as many long balls to Chamakh than there was played tonight.
Disappointed."
2205:
United get the points and you have to say they got their tactics right
too. Arsenal's fluid passing game didn't get going and, although the
home side hardly created lots either, they did enough... and were
definitely more dangerous no matter what you think of Ji-Sung Park's
winner. I'd hardly call it a knockout blow in the title race though.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on his side's hard-fought win over Arsenal:
"In these games sometimes you don't play well, you just want to get the
three points and that's the most important thing. We didn't show as
many silks (skills) as we would like to but we won the game. I don't
care if we stay unbeaten all season, it is about what you finish up with
at the end of it and we want to win the title."
From HumanCashPoint on 606:
"Arsenal fans don't be so hard on your team. You lost to a single
fortunate goal at Old Trafford, and you're still second in the league."
SoccerDotTel on Twitter:
"As if Chelsea vs Manchester United could get anymore important. Can't it be Sunday already?"
2157:
So, despite Wayne Rooney's penalty miss, Manchester United replace
Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. They are two points clear of
the Gunners and neighbours Manchester City, with Chelsea another point
further back, and have a game in hand on all three of their rivals.
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2154:
Arsenal's last chance of a leveller? The Gunners hoist a high ball into
the box, Marouane Chamakh flicks it on... but Theo Walcott slices his
first-time shot over the bar. Chance gone.
2153:
That five-man United midfield has squeezed the life out of Arsenal's
passing game too. Looks like Sir Alex has got it right again...
2150:
Arsenal are having enough possession, and in United's half too - but
they just cannot break through the United back-line. Rafael and Patrice
Evra have been superb for the home side tonight.
2149: We will have four minutes of added time at Old Trafford.
2147:
It looks like Wayne Rooney is going to have to wait a little longer for
his first United goal in open play of the season. He almost makes up
for that terrible penalty with a cheeky chip over Wojciech Szczesny
after latching on to a long ball, but the young Pole is agile enough to
back-pedal and claw it away. A super effort, and stop.
|
Infostrada Sports on Twitter:
"Wayne Rooney has missed four of his nine Premier League penalties and this was his third miss from the spot at Old Trafford."
golf_footie_fan on Twitter:
"What on Earth was Rooney thinking... or rather, where was his brain? I always insist that missing a penalty is unforgivable."
2141:
Marouane Chamakh rises to meet a free-kick pumped into the box but he
is too far out to trouble Edwin van der Sar. Less than 10 minutes of the
90 left at Old Trafford.
2140:
Theo Walcott picks up the ball for the first time, and makes space for a
shot from about 30 yards out... but it trundles wide of the post,
bringing ironic cheers from the United fans. Arsenal will have to do
better than that.
2137:
Wojciech Szczesny
tweeted yesterday about doing his homework on facing a Wayne Rooney
penalty, but I doubt he anticipated that happening. Forget Row Z, that
ball is now in orbit I think. Back on the pitch, another Arsenal change
sees Theo Walcott replace Andrey Arshavin.
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|
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2133: MISSED PENALTY (Wayne Rooney blasted over)
2131: PENALTY to Man Utd (Gael Clichy hand-ball on the floor)
2131: Right then. Less than 20 minutes left now for Arsenal to find an equaliser, or for United to kill this game off.
From Bobby, via text:
"Re 2115. As a Brentford fan I've probably seen Szczesny play a lot
more than the Arsenal fans. He was superb for us last season. We always
knew he had it in him."
2129:
A pretty wild aerial challenge by Rio Ferdinand leaves Bacary Sagna
writhing in agony, but he appears to be OK. Ferdinand definitely caught
him in the stomach, with his boot I think, and Sagna has a ripped shirt
to prove it. No card from Howard Webb.
2125:
Gael Clichy concedes a silly free-kick in the right-hand corner with a
push on Nani, who will take it. Arsenal have all their players back to
defend this, but they cannot clear it properly and are grateful when
Anderson slams a shot just wide.
2124:
Yep, here comes Cesc Fabregas AND Robin van Persie. On for the
ineffective Thomas Rosicky and the disappointing Jack Wilshere, who has
battled well but not really shown watching England coach Fabio Capello
what he can do on the ball. Around 25 minutes of the 90 to go.
2121: It looks like Cesc Fabregas is going to come on for Arsenal.
2120:
This game is opening up, and it should be 2-0 to United. It really,
really should. United break forward quickly and Nani has miles of space
on the right, only to be denied by Gael Clichy's excellent tackle. Nani
gets a second bite of the cherry, though, when Clichy dwells on the
ball... but, with time to pick his spot or find a team-mate, he lifts
his shot over the bar. To call that a real waste is a massive
understatement.
2117:
United get a bit lucky. Edwin van der Sar scrambles to parry Samir
Nasri's low diagonal shot, and Marouane Chamakh is first to the loose
bal, on the edge of the six-yard box. The problem for the Arsenal
striker is that it is not in his path and he cannot readjust. His
scuffed shot was heading wide even before Nemanja Vidic got across to
get a touch on it.
2115:
A close shave for the Gunners. Wojciech Szczesny keeps his side in it
with a great save. Wayne Rooney manages to slip the ball through to
Anderson inside the area but the young Pole is off his line quickly to
block his shot.
2112:
Nani is definitely United's best player so far. Arsenal's? I'm not
sure. The likes of Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri have not shone yet.
From Dennis in Derby, via text: "It is still too early to write the Gunners off. Man Utd's goal was more fortune than skill. Arsenal are still in this."
2108:
Thomas Rosicky, who has not scored for Arsenal since January, has go at
the other end, but his 20-yard effort bounces well wide.
2107:
United are the first side to attack. Nani has a pop from the edge of
the area, and gets plenty of power in his shot, but Laurent Koscielny
does well to block it.
2104: Arsenal get the second half started. No changes from either manager.
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|
OptaJoe on Twitter:
"53 - There were a total of 53 misplaced passes in the final third of
the pitch in the first half: 20 by Arsenal, 33 by Man Utd. Sloppy."
From Laurence in Milton Keynes, via text: "Fabregas on at half-time please, Arsenal need some inspiration from somewhere!"
From Gary in Newcastle, via text:
"Re 1937. With the Chilean miners now in Manchester perhaps they can
pop across town to teach a certain South American how to survive stuck
in one place for a long time."
2057:
As things stand, United are two points clear at the top, with a game in
hand on the rest of the top four. You can see why Chelsea skipper John
Terry said yesterday that he is desperate for this game to end up in a
draw.
JimBuck2 on Twitter:
"Arsenal lack any spark, I'd forgotten Nasri was playing. Bring Walcott on for Rosicky to give the team an injection of pace."
Infostrada Sports on Twitter:
"Park has now scored more of his Premier League goals against Arsenal than against any other club."
|
Saj Chowdhury's HT snap-shot: Fast and frantic but nevertheless fascinating. Great improvisation by Park for the goal while Arsenal's fearsome attack have not clicked - they'll have to if they want something from the game.
2048:
United have a free-kick right on the right-hand corner of the area.
David Beckham is watching in the stands... United could do with having
him to take this. Anderson curls it in but it is easily cleared.
2046: There will be two added minutes at the end of the first half.
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|
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2041: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal (Park)
2039:
Darren Fletcher is furious after being blocked off by Alex Song,
especially because Howard Webb played advantage and Wayne Rooney lost
the ball soon afterwards. Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling exactly the same
way on the touchline, by the looks of things.
2038:
Hmmm. Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny has to improve his distribution
on this evidence. He's given the ball straight to United a few times
now. Although, to be fair, he's not the only player who can't help
passing to the opposition tonight.
2036:
Forget the final third, both teams are giving it away in every area of
the pitch at the moment. One word to describe this so far? Scrappy.
2034:
We are still waiting for this game to really get going if I'm honest.
Too many mistakes are being made by the attacking team in the final
third, regardless of who has the ball.
2031:
A big shout for a penalty at the other end when Marouane Chamakh makes a
mess of a clearing header. It flicks off Anderson, comes off Chamakh's
head... and TV replays show it then hits his hand. Again, Howard Webb
says no.
2027:
Arsenal's turn to threaten. Marouane Chamakh appears to be blocked by
Rafael as he tries to reach Samir Nasri's cross on the edge of the six
yard box. Penalty? Nope. Referee Howard Webb is having none of it and
the Arsenal players are hardly screaming for a spot-kick either. Not
sure Chamakh would have reached the ball, but Rafael definitely knew
what he was doing there.
2024:
Here's a chance. A good one too. Darren Fletcher crosses from the right
and Sebastien Squillaci's header falls for Nani, who drills a
first-time shot a whisker wide of the far post. Much better by United -
Nani started that move, and very nearly finished it with the opening
goal.
2022:
We've had more than 20 minutes of play at Old Trafford and we are still
waiting for our first clear-cut chance at either end. Andrey Arshavin
has just had a pop, from distance, for Arsenal but his scuffed shot
barely trickled out of play.
OptaJoe on Twitter:
"246 - Rio Ferdinand last conceded a foul in the Premier League on April 11 2010 v Blackburn, 246 days ago. Smooth."
2018:
Andrey Arshavin chases a lost cause in the far corner and wins the ball
back too. It's just a shame about his cross really - it's too deep for
Marouane Chamakh and there is no-one else in the box.
From Rooney - 150k a week and I get to keep my username on 606:
"Foul, foul, foul. Try playing football Arsenal."
2016:
Arsenal are not exactly shy in the tackle are they? Lots of free-kicks
conceded by the visitors in the first 15 minutes, but no cards shown by
Howard Webb yet.
2015:
Nani stands over a free-kick, about 35 yards out, and he is going for
goal... United seem determined to keep testing Wojciech Szczesny but
Nani's shot does not have the power to cause him too much trouble.
2012:
It's end-to-end stuff at the moment. Marouane Chamakh dives in front of
Nemanja Vidiuc to connect with a cross from the left, but his header
does not trouble Edwin van der Sar, who is just the 20 years older than
his opposite number in Arsenal's goal.
2010:
And that's the full set - a first save too. Wayne Rooney controls a
long ball upfield, turns on the edge of the box and makes space for a
shot that dips in front of the young Pole. He stops it, and hangs on to
the ball too.
2009:
A first cross to deal with for Wojciech Szczesny, as Nani hoists the
ball in from the right. No problems there, although he was hardly under a
lot of pressure when he caught it.
2007:
United have a free-kick out on the right when Gael Clichy fells Nani -
that looked painful. No card, though. Anderson curls the ball towards
the back post but it doesn't beat the first defender.
2006:
Arsenal come forward for the first time, and Andrey Arshavin finds Alex
Song on the edge of the area. He's got space for a shot, but his touch
lets him down and United can clear.
2004:
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny gets his first touch of a Premier
League ball in the first 10 seconds, punting a back pass clear. That
goes alright, but his second touch a couple of minutes later is not so
clever. Another clearance only finds a United player, about 30 yards
out. Trouble for the Gunners but, when the ball is fed to Wayne Rooney,
he is offside. Szczesny saved his shot anyhow.
2001: Here we go. United get the game under way.
From Arthur, student in Oxford, via text:
"Man United are going to win comfortably and I think that we will see a
return of the Wayne Rooney of last season. Can you remember how well he
played against Arsenal at the Emirates when he was a lone striker. I
remember Alan Hansen circling him repeatedly on Match of the Day and
tracking his 'fantastic movement'. Come on United!"
From Nervous Wreck, via text:
"Could someone please advise the FA to somehow ensure that this game is
never on a Monday. Not sure I can take another weekend like that. Go on
The Arsenal!"
1958:
Luckily, the United players have turned up too. Both teams are now out
on the pitch, and kick-off is just a couple of minutes away.
1956:
The Arsenal players are in the tunnel. What's happening? Well rookie
keeper Wojciech Szczesny grins, then has a quiet word with Marouane
Chamakh. Meanwhile, Samir Nasri is having his glove bandaged. Er, has he
got an injured glove?
OptaJoe on Twitter:
"15 - Man Utd have won 15 and lost none of their 20 PL matches at Old Trafford played on a Monday. Boomtown."
Infostrada Sports on Twitter:
"Manchester United (now) and Arsenal (1990, 2003 & 2007) are the
only clubs since 1987 not to lose in their first 15 top flight matches."
1949:
Right, we've got just over 10 minutes until kick-off at Old Trafford.
How are you feeling? As confident as ashley fox, or as nervous as
SamadGigii? On the pitch at the moment, former striker and reserve team
boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being given a very special farewell by the
United faithful ahead of his departure to Norway to become Molde
manager. A great servant to the club.
SamadGigii on Twitter:
"Feeling really nervous. But Anderson and Park always seem to shine against Arsenal so here's hoping for some more! United!"
From ashley fox on 606:
"First time as an Arsenal fan that I'm about to watch a game against Manchester United where I am quite confident we will win."
Sir Alex Ferguson explains his 4-5-1 formation (MathsJedi below is right):
"Anyone here tonight will see a great game played with a lot of
intensity. Regarding Berbatov's exclusion, sometimes tactical decisions
can be unfair for players. In the past few games, we've played a certain
way against Arsenal and it's been successful."
MathsJedi on Twitter:
"It's Fergie's usual Arsenal approach which has been effective! really impressed by Anderson of late... hoping for more!"
Alex_Cartlidge on Twitter:
"Why are we playing 1 up front at home against an Arsenal team with a dodgy defence and young, untested keeper???"
1939: Here's
Infostrada Sports
with more on the young Pole between the sticks for Arsenal. At 20 years
and 239 days old, Wojciech Szczesny is the youngest goalkeeper to play
in the Premier League this season and the youngest to ever play for
Arsenal in the competition, breaking Alex Manninger's record by two
days.
1937:
There are some very special guests at Old Trafford tonight, who are used
to inhabiting a world light years away from (not to mention a couple of
thousand feet below) that of your average Premier League footballer.
Twenty six of the 33 Chilean miners
who were freed in October after spending two months trapped underground
are guests of honour at tonight's game. United legend Sir Bobby
Charlton, whose father was a miner in Northumberland, is taking them on a
tour of the ground and introducing them to the players beforehand.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on his side's showdown with old rivals Arsenal:
"The games against them, particularly four or five years ago, were so
important because both of us were challenging for titles. Chelsea have
now come in and it's been ourselves and Chelsea over the last five
years. Nonetheless, it's Manchester United against Arsenal and the
history of both teams always guarantees a match of intensity and, a lot
of the time, controversy. I think the game will be more or less the same
because the pride and history of both clubs determines that."
OptaJoe on Twitter:
"1 - The last Arsenal 'keeper to make his league debut v Man Utd was
Stuart Taylor in 3-1 win at Highbury in Nov 2001. Decision."
From Andy in Exeter, via text:
"This is Nani's time to shine. Having been possibly the most
influential player for Man Utd this season, surely this is the moment
for him to show case himself as a world-class player."
MAN UTD v ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Manchester United play a 4-5-1 system with Wayne Rooney spearheading the attack, while fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov is on the bench. Midfielder Paul Scholes fails to make the match having recently suffered a groin problem. Twenty-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes his first Premier League start in goal for the injured Lukasz Fabianski, while Cesc Fabregas who had a "small chance" of playing begins from the bench. Marouane Chamakh heads the Arsenal attack while full-back Gael Clichy replaces the injured Kieran Gibbs.
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Manchester United play a 4-5-1 system with Wayne Rooney spearheading the attack, while fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov is on the bench. Midfielder Paul Scholes fails to make the match having recently suffered a groin problem. Twenty-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes his first Premier League start in goal for the injured Lukasz Fabianski, while Cesc Fabregas who had a "small chance" of playing begins from the bench. Marouane Chamakh heads the Arsenal attack while full-back Gael Clichy replaces the injured Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger on rookie goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has
kept a clean sheet in his three first-team games for the Gunners so far
(all in the Carling Cup): "He has the confidence and quality to do
well. It's important the defence does well in front of him but I am
confident in his ability."
Man Utd v Arsenal line-ups
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Park. Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Obertan.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Bendtner.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Park. Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Obertan.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Bendtner.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
1925:
Ah, who could forget Martin Keown's part in the rivalry between these
two clubs down the years. No, not the goals he scored (or more likely
stopped) -
his star jumps at Ruud van Nistelrooy's head
after the Dutch striker missed a penalty against the Gunners in 2003. I wonder why these teams used to hate each other?
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's programme notes for tonight's game:
"Don't be deceived by the popular view that the Gunners play pretty
football but can be kicked out of games. Other managers and coaches tell
me that the present Arsenal side are one of the toughest in the Premier
League and the most physical since the days of Martin Keown."
PeteFHumphreys on Twitter:
"Huge blow not having Scholes, Carrick just can't fill the void he leaves. Glad to see Park and Fletcher playing though."
1916: MORE MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
Paul Scholes missed a late fitness test so Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Nani, Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will line up in United's midfield. Full line-ups for both teams on their way...
Paul Scholes missed a late fitness test so Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Nani, Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will line up in United's midfield. Full line-ups for both teams on their way...
Arsenal
boss Arsene Wenger on the importance of his side's visit to Old
Trafford, which would put them three points clear at the top of the
table: "It's more psychological for the rest of the season than a
decider, mathematically. They have recent history going for them, but we
have built a team and now have an opportunity to show we are ready for
the title."
NathanBagust on Twitter:
"This is Szczesny's big chance!! I think I see a dramatic late save and the emergence of a No.1 goalkeeper for Arsenal."
1908: BREAKING ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal because Lukasz Fabianski is not fit. Cesc Fabregas is on the bench.
Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal because Lukasz Fabianski is not fit. Cesc Fabregas is on the bench.
1906: BREAKING MAN UTD TEAM NEWS VIA BBC RADIO 5 LIVE
Sir Alex Ferguson goes with a 4-5-1 formation. Dimitar Berbatov is left out, with Wayne Rooney up front on his own.
Sir Alex Ferguson goes with a 4-5-1 formation. Dimitar Berbatov is left out, with Wayne Rooney up front on his own.
1905:
Here's a statement from Sam Allardyce responding to his sacking: "I am
very shocked and disappointed to be leaving Blackburn Rovers. I am
extremely proud to have managed this club and I enjoyed a fantastic
relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my
time in charge." And from Blackburn's owners, the Venky's Group: "We
have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for
the club."
From AFCDONS3991 on 606:
"Big Sam sacking is a total joke. Clearly highlights the problems with
foreign investors who know little to nothing about footballing issues."
1900:
Just a reminder: Whether you are simmering over Big Sam's exit or
salivating about tonight's showdown at Old Trafford, I want to hear from
you. How?
Tweet me at chrisbevan_bbc on Twitter,
join the gang on
606
or text me via 81111 (UK).
1858: Yep, things have moved on a lot between these two sides (and their managers) since the infamous
'battle of the buffet'
at Old Trafford in 2004... mainly because Chelsea have superseded
Arsenal as United's main title rivals in the last six years. This season
could be a different story though.
DaveyP1296 on Twitter:
"Come on Arsenal! Tonight is our chance to prove we have come of age!"
blake2108 on Twitter:
"So nervous. United need to win this game really, what with Chelsea away at the weekend. Biggest match of the season so far."
1853:
I have to admit I thought we were going to get a good old-fashioned war
of words in the build up to this game when Patrice Evra came out with
his
"Arsenal is just a training centre"
jibe at the end of last week, but it didn't quite happen did it? It's a
sad state of affairs when the Gunners and United go head to head... and
the hot pre-match topic is
snoods.
MAN UTD v ARSENAL
Saj Chowdhury reports: "There's something warming about the frosty relationship between Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and his counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. Warming because their sniping has become as much a part of Premier League tradition as unexpected sackings. There has been a slight thaw recently, but there's certainly no love lost between the two sets of players. Expect the title challengers to produce a suitably feisty affair at Old Trafford."
Saj Chowdhury reports: "There's something warming about the frosty relationship between Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and his counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. Warming because their sniping has become as much a part of Premier League tradition as unexpected sackings. There has been a slight thaw recently, but there's certainly no love lost between the two sets of players. Expect the title challengers to produce a suitably feisty affair at Old Trafford."
From James in Hertford, via text:
"I can't wait for tonight... need to see a big performance from United
or our season will slowly slip away from our grasp. Hoping for a win but
cant stop thinking it will be 1-1."
From Tom in Exeter, via text: "I can see Arsenal edging this one if Cesc plays. A big game that will tell us a lot about Arsenal's title credentials."
1844:
Back to matters concerning Old Trafford for now... although I will of
course let you know if any other bosses get the boot between now and
kick-off (at 2000 GMT). I'll also give you team news the very second I
get it too. Rio Ferdinand is likely to be fit for United, but Cesc
Fabregas is a big doubt for the Gunners.
1839:
I suppose this means that the managerial merry-go-round (aka silly
season) has officially started - the time when top-flight chairmen
around the country decide the likes of Iain Dowie and Gary Megson can do
a better job than the man currently occupying their dug-out. Still,
some good could come from it. Could this mean a swift (Rovers) return to
management for Mr Hughton? We shall see...
1835:
Mind you, the way things are going with this series of shock (not to
mention stupid) sackings, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger will
probably be lucky to keep their jobs for the rest of the evening.
Following Chris Hughton's exit from Newcastle last week,
Sam Allardyce got the boot from Blackburn earlier on today.
A big surprise for Big Sam - but who is next?
1831 GMT:
Manchester United against Arsenal. Two fierce rivals, third versus
first, battling for top spot in the Premier League, and two of the
greatest managers in footballing history going head to head at Old
Trafford? Monday nights don't get much better than this...