Man Utd vs Arsenal - 5 Key Battles That Will Decide The Match

3. Marouane Fellaini vs Mathieu Flamini

Another key midfield battle, and also one that takes into account the current gulf in class between the two, will see Marouane Fellaini and Mathieu Flamini lock horns at the centre of their respective engine rooms. Arsene Wenger's decision to re-sign former player Flamini this summer was initially met with scorn and derision, but since then, it has proved a masterstroke with the Frenchman proving a capable anchor in the Gunner's midfield. His presence alone makes them look more composed, and lends to the Arsenal midfield the tough and robust holding midfielder they have been crying out for for years. Fellaini also joined United this summer but his arrival hasn't been as welcomed as Flamini's eventually has, with the Belgian still yet to live up to his £27 million price tag after joining from Everton. The 25-year-old's form suffered something of a nosedive midweek against Real Sociedad with an ignominious red card and he will be out with a point to prove here. It will be up to Fellaini and Flamini to control the tempo of the game, and this is a big opportunity for the former to show just why Moyes parted with such a big wad of cash for his services on deadline day.