United fired up for Black Cats’ visit to Old Trafford
BY MONICA IHEAKAM
Attention once again returns to the English Premier League this weekend after the explosive encounters of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches were concluded on Wednesday.
On Sunday March 1, 2015, Arsene Wenger will bank on consistency as Arsenal plays host to Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
With 12 matches to go until the end of the season, Wenger believes consistency will play a key role in the race for Champions League qualification.
Head to Head , the battle is tough for both Arsenal and their visitors having played against each other six times, recording 4 draws and a win each.
Like their famous supporter Mo Farah, Arsenal have become experts in recent seasons at knowing when to make their move. While fans would much rather see their team challenging for the title on a more consistent basis, 16 consecutive years in the Champions League is a fine achievement. Even when the situation looks bleak, Wenger somehow manages to guide his team into the top four.
What’s more, Wenger now has an almost fully fit squad to select from. Mesut Ozil has looked revitalised following his layoff, while England internationals Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are getting closer to match fitness. French striker Olivier Giroud is also producing his best form since arriving in England, having scored four goals in his last five outings.
Wenger, recently commented: “It’s the first time that there’s many more teams involved in the top four.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s herculean task today at Old Trafford is to subdue Sunderland at home to get back into their winning ways .
A 2-1 defeat to Swan City last week saw the Red Devils drop to the fourth position in the Premier League table as battle for Champions league places intensifies.
The loss at South Wales was United’s second in 16 league outings, a result that dampened their hopes of top four placement with just four points separating the teams in third and seventh spots,
Picking up maximum points in every game is now more vital than ever and with Arsene Wenger’s side not in action until sunday , United can reclaim their third win over Sunderland, after their 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light back in August.
Last season, Sunderland recorded their first win away at old Trafford since 1968.
The Black Cats’ on their part are backed by another sell out away crowd, but have some fired up stars standing in their way of three away points.
In his personal online blog, Spanish star Juan Mata urged Louis van Gaal’s side to bounce back against Sunderland.
He said: “As you can imagine, especially those who read this blog week after week, this is one of those days when writing is a bit complicated, following a tough defeat.
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