Wayne Rooney v Mikel Arteta
Though Tom Cleverley might line up opposite Arteta in the centre of the park for United, the deeper-lying Englishman will pose the more immediate threat for the Spaniard. Rooney is likely to drop deep into midfield to pick up the ball and try and control the game, as he did to such success against Newcastle United at St. James' Park a few weeks back, and it will be up to Arteta to track his movement and ensure that he can't dictate play and open up opportunities for his midfielders to run on from his position and link up with Van Persie. Arsenal need to keep Rooney quiet, and in Arteta they may have the best man for the job. Pushed deeper by the summer departure of Alex Song, Arteta has looked good so far this season. He is disciplined and capable of breaking up play, and his confidence on the ball and passing ability make him an invaluable asset for linking up with attacks as well as providing cover to the back four. He is also tenacious enough to combat Rooney's strength and temperament, and it is often as important to let the Liverpool-born striker know you won't be bullied early on as it is to stop him from playing. Cleverley will also have to keep an eye on Arteta as an attacking threat, as he could sit back and happily dictate play from deep - though it's more likely that with Arsenal in the away dressing room that Arteta will be asked to defend more.