The Premier League season kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. While team strategies will be crucial, the final result could be decided by a number of fascinating individual duels all over the pitch. Here are four key one-on-one battles to keep a close eye on.
1. Benjamin Šeško vs. William Saliba All eyes will be on Manchester United’s expensive new striker, Benjamin Šeško, as he makes his competitive debut in English football. The Slovenian is a physical powerhouse with intelligent movement, but he comes up against one of the best defenders in the business in William Saliba. The Frenchman’s ability to handle Šeško’s strength and pace will be crucial to Arsenal’s defensive solidity and could decide the game.
2. Harry Maguire vs. Viktor Gyökeres At the other end of the pitch, the narrative is almost identical. Arsenal’s new star striker, Viktor Gyökeres, will make his official debut against his former manager, Ruben Amorim. He will be marshalled by Harry Maguire, the experienced leader at the heart of United’s back three. This battle of strength and tactical awareness versus prolific goalscoring instinct could be the most decisive duel of the match.
3. Bruno Fernandes vs. Declan Rice The war for control of the game will be waged in the middle of the park. United’s undisputed talisman, Bruno Fernandes, will be tasked with pulling the strings for a brand new attack that is still getting to know each other. The man charged with subduing him will be Arsenal’s relentless midfield engine, Declan Rice. Whoever wins this titanic battle between creativity and work rate will give their team a huge advantage.
4. Amad Diallo vs. Myles Lewis-Skelly A fascinating and high-risk tactical battle is set to unfold on the flank. Arsenal’s hugely talented young left-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly, often inverts into central midfield to help his team control possession. This advanced tactic, however, has the potential to leave vast open spaces behind him. United’s attacking wing-back, Amad Diallo, who is a natural winger, will be tasked with exploiting that very space on the counter-attack.