Five reasons why Arsenal will beat United

It’s been a while since we’ve beaten United at Old Trafford and our past few results have been far from convincing, but for the Arsenal fans out there, there are reasons to be hopeful. Here are five reasons why.

CONFIDENCE

It may not have been the best way to win, but Arsenal’s 7-5 victory in the League Cup against Reading has to give some real confidence to the players, as well as the fans. Coming back from four down is enough to lift the solemn mood that I suspect had been breezing around London Colney.

It could be argued that very few players likely to start against United were actually playing against Reading, but that means nothing. The elation portrayed by Wenger after the game and the boost that the younger players must be feeling will surely spread to other first team players, and goals for Giroud and Walcott, both likely to feature in the United clash, will only add belief to this squad.

REVENGE (for the 8-2)

Just over a year ago I woke up hoping that it had all just been a terrible nightmare. It wasn’t. The memory of that game is still emblazoned into my mind, and I’m sure millions of others too. There is no doubt that Mr Wenger will be thinking about the game plans utilized in that nightmare, pin-pointing every idea and direction that went wrong, just as much as the ones that went right for United.

Last year at Old Trafford we were a shell of a team, still reeling from the ritual summer departures. This year is different. No longer can the 8-2 jokes continue. Hopefully this time Arsenal won’t be the joke, and the last laugh will be on them.

UNITED’s FALTERING DEFENCE

United have managed a meagre two clean sheets this season, an almost flattering statistic after the Reds' defence has looked troubled nearly every game this campaign. With the obvious list of injured defenders, including the likes of Vidic out, while other players such as Ferdinand, Smalling and Jones remain doubtful, this is a definite area that Arsenal could be looking to exploit.

After the lack of goal scoring and creativity that led to the disappointing defeats against Norwich and Shalke, the seven scored at the Madejski shows that there is still massive goal scoring potential at the club. And while our defence has looked shaky at the best of times, few goals have been conceded. Meanwhile, Szczesny returns to goal this week, a welcome and much needed return after having to endure the ever flappy Mannone.

Our defence will need to be at the top of its game, because as much as I hate to say it, United may not be able to defend (and who would with Jonny Evans at the back?), but they most certainly can score.

REVENGE (for the greying Dutchman who is as faithful as John Terry)

Hate is a strong word that should not be used lightly. And so forth, I hate Robin van Persie. I cannot stand the smile on his face as he embraces Rooney after scoring. In fact, I can’t stand the fact that he is scoring … a lot. I can’t stand the fact that he isn’t injured. And most importantly, I can’t stand him.

The Arsenal players need to prove to Van Persie that he was mistaken in leaving, wipe that smile of his face, and win this match.

JACK IS BACK

We all saw it last week against QPR. After 17 months out, Jack Wilshire returned to first team football as if he had been gone a week. His touch, vision, dribbling and control cannot be taught. Jack Wilshere is pure talent. And he is ours. The Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla partnership leaves me drooling at the mouth. If we take full advantage of the midfield, over a United midfield that leaves a lot to be desired, it could be the edge that would win us the game.

Calling all Arsenal fans: Do you agree with Josh's confidence? Can Arsenal go to Old Trafford and get a result? Where do you think the game will be won and lost? What can Wenger do to defeat Sir Alex? What do you think the score will be? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.