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      Ultimate combined XI from Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles and Man Utd’s 2008 Champions League-winning heroes

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      ARSENAL welcome Manchester United to the Emirates this weekend with both in the race for the Premier League title.The Gunners are sat top of the Premier League after 18 games, picking up 47 points.
      Arsenal’s Invincibles achieved legendary status back in 2004Credit: Getty
      Manchester United’s 2008 Champions League-winning squad was stacked with qualityCredit: PA
      Here’s the best combined XI that we have chosen
      Both Manchester clubs are trailing by eight points, but United can close the gap to five with a win on Sunday.
      During the heyday of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, the two teams would be regularly battling it out for the Prem title.
      In fact, for nine consecutive years from 1996 the trophy belonged exclusively to the both of them.
      Arsenal won it for the first time under Wenger in 1998 and lifted it another two times under the Frenchman.
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      But undoubtedly their greatest – and last – title-winning campaign occurred in 2004.
      With Thierry Henry leading their star-studded side, the Gunners incredibly went the whole campaign unbeaten, leading to them being dubbed ‘The Invincibles’ by fans and pundits.
      However, one thing they failed to do under Wenger was conquer Europe.
      They did manage to reach the 2006 Champions League final, but they suffered defeat to Barcelona.
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      But Fergie did manage to win it twice during his long-stay at Old Trafford, the first occurring in the 1999 treble season.
      He followed that up with success over Chelsea in the 2008 final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
      Both Arsenal’s Invincibles and United’s Champions League winning squad from ‘08 were stacked with quality.
      But ahead of the latest Arsenal vs Man Utd clash at the Emirates, we decided to try and pick an XI out of both sets of players from those eras.
      Jens Lehmann was in goal for Arsenal, but we’ve opted for United’s Dutchman Edwin van der Sar.
      Ashley Cole gets the nod over Patrice Evra at left-back, while his former Gunners team-mate Lauren is in on the right.
      An all-English centre-back pairing of Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand would take some stopping, especially with ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira protecting them in midfield.
      With United legend Paul Scholes alongside him, there would also be plenty of ammunition for the vast array of attacking talents.
      Robert Pires was almost unstoppable for the Gunners back then, and he is almost impossible to leave out – despite the greatness of Ryan Giggs.
      You also have to find a way to fit in Cristiano Ronaldo, and as he was playing winger back then rather than forward, we’ve squeezed him in on the right.
      Then it comes to picking the forwards and we feel almost guilty for leaving out Arsenal’s fantastic Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp.
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      The same can be said of United’s 2008 hero Carlos Tevez – but Wayne Rooney just edges it to line-up with Henry up front.
      And whether you agree or not, we reckon even the second-string that we have assembled below would still be big favourites to win the league if they were together in their pomp. 
      This second string would still mount a serious title challenge More

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      Gary Neville slams three Man Utd stars for not being able to stop Olise’s injury-time screamer

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      GARY NEVILLE thinks that Manchester United made it too easy for Michael Olise to score his stunning equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.The Red Devil’s saw their nine game winning streak come to an end at the hands of a spectacular free kick by Olise in the 91st minute.
      Michael Olise fired a free-kick into the top cornerCredit: AFP
      Gary Neville had issues with the wall
      The attacking midfielder struck the ball with immense venom into the top right hand corner to cancel out Bruno Fernandes’ first half goal.
      But former United full-back Neville thinks that the away side could’ve done more to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net.
      He took to social media to let his followers know what he would’ve done differently in the situation.
      He wrote: “That wall was never big enough. Always going to shoot!
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      “Put the taker off!!! A massive wall with big players in makes it more difficult for a taker! That wall lacked presence and made it look inviting!”
      The wall itself consisted of Casemiro, Fred and Alejandro Garnacho who have an average height of 5ft 10 inches, but the ball sailed straight over their heads and into David De Gea’s goal.
      The equaliser snatched away Erik ten Hag’s chance to take his side up to second place in the Premier League.
      It could’ve been worse for United if it wasn’t for a spectacular save from their goalkeeper in the first half and an incredible last ditch challenge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka in injury time.
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      The Red Devil’s currently sit in third place, eight points off leader Arsenal, with a visit to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
      The top of the table clash will be a challenge for Man United who will be without star man Casemiro following his suspension for racking up too many bookings.
      Those in the wall jumped and split as the free-kick was struck
      Michael Olise celebrated his goal in an understated manner despite the late equaliser coming in such superb fashion More

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      Man Utd star David De Gea fumes over suspended Casemiro missing Arsenal clash and slams Premier League fixture schedule

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      DAVID DE GEA has been left frustrated by Manchester United’s fixture schedule following Casemiro’s suspension.The Red Devils travel to Arsenal on Sunday in a huge top-of-the-table clash.
      Casemiro is suspended after being booked in the 80th minuteCredit: Getty
      David De Gea is frustrated to lose such a big player for such an important gameCredit: Getty
      But they will be without midfield lynchpin Casemiro after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
      The result leaves United eight points behind the Gunners and without one of their most important players for the trip to The Emirates.
      That has annoyed De Gea, who took aim at the Premier League by questioning why United had to play mid-week.
      He told Sky Sports: “Big blow to lose Casemiro for Sunday
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      “I don’t get why Arsenal don’t play as we have to play in the same week & they don’t.
      “Now we are missing one of our best players, I don’t understand.
      “Now we miss him for a big game & it is a big loss for us.”
      To make matters worse United should have had a penalty against Palace for a foul on Scott McTominay according to former Prem referee Mark Halsey.
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      That would have given the Red Devils an opportunity to make it 2-0 and put the game to bed.
      It is even possible Casemiro would not have got booked if that happened, as he may not have desperately lunged in to win the ball in order to protect such a slender 1-0 lead. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Chris Eagles compares his journey to David Beckham’s and was one of Sir Alex Ferguson favourites

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      CHRIS EAGLES has likened his time as a Manchester United prodigy to that of David Beckham.Signed from Watford in 2000, the midfielder would earn several comparisons to the England legend as he emerged at Old Trafford.
      Chris Eagles has opened up on his time at Manchester United as a teenagerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      David Beckham also moved to the United academy from his home in the southCredit: PA:Press Association
      Like Beckham, Eagles was plucked from well outside United’s catchment area and the Hertfordshire-born player recalled how he made the move.
      The 37-year-old told Ladbrokes: “I went up there for a game and just fell in love with the club.
      “I moved into digs at 14 and at first I was obviously excited because it was like a holiday to me. I loved Manchester, I love northerners.
      “School was difficult because I was a southerner, but training-wise we used to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and play on Saturdays.
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      “My youth team was frightening; we didn’t lose. In the old days we had myself, Phil Bardsley, Luke Steele, Kieran Richardson, Tom Heaton, Paul McShane, Gerard Pique, Giuseppe Rossi.
      “School helped me a lot; I got much better results because I was away from home and my friends which meant I just concentrated on getting good results.
      “Man United made sure we worked hard and got good grades. The only time I’d have off to come home was in school holidays, but it would never be for a long time.
      “In digs I started off living with a family on my own – I still see them now actually, four times a week, they look after my kids!
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      “Then I was with Fraizer Campbell who stayed for long weekends because he was only from Huddersfield. But I was there more or less on my own.
      “Sir Alex Ferguson had a lot of involvement with me as a kid because he knew I’d moved away from home.
      “I wasn’t too dissimilar to David Beckham in that respect; we’d both moved from London to Manchester as youngsters.”
      Red Devils icon Ferguson gave Eagles his debut in 2003 but he failed to make the cut and left for Burnley after several loan spells.
      But the former prodigy knew that Fergie, 81, held him in high regard as one of his top young stars despite a telling-off for underage driving.
      He continued: “Sir Alex had his certain players like me, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson who he had soft spots for. If I was ever trouble he’d tell me off, though.
      “I drove a car somewhere when I was 15 and Sir Alex found out about it and called me in his office. I was petrified.
      “It’s the worst experience ever because you don’t know what he’s going to do. I can remember standing outside of his office, sweating, going red.
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      “He used to have a folder where he used to keep his notes. It was a hard-back. Every time he walked past me he used to just slap me on the head with it – all in good humour obviously.
      “He was just a great manager, a great guy, and that’s how he got his respect.”
      Eagles spoke highly of Sir Alex Ferguson’s effort with the young playersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Arsenal without Casemiro for huge Premier League title clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday hoping to gatecrash the title race.A win for the Red Devils could see them move to within five points of the Gunners at the top.

      Casemiro will be suspended after picking up his fifth yellow cardCredit: Getty
      If they are to get a positive result, it will have to be without key midfielder Casemiro.
      The £70million summer signing has been in great form of late.
      But after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, he will have to serve a one-match suspension.
      Brazilian Fred could come in to replace his compatriot Casemiro.
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      Either he or Scott McTominay are likely to partner Christian Eriksen in the heart of Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
      David de Gea will keep his place between the sticks, although Jack Butland will be available again after having to sit out against parent club Palace.
      With Diogo Dalot having suffered with a thigh injury, Aaron-Bissaka is likely to continue at right-back.
      Luke Shaw performed well at centre-half in recent weeks, but moved back to left-back at Selhurst Park.
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      He is likely to continue there on Sunday, with Lisandro Martinez partnering Raphael Varane in the middle.
      Donny van de Beek remains out injured, with Bruno Fernandes to start in the No10 role.
      Marcus Rashford and Antony will likely be picked on the flanks, although Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga will be waiting in the wings.
      Jadon Sancho remains unavailable.
      Anthony Martial was forced to be withdrawn with injury against Manchester City last weekend, but could return on Sunday.
      Should the Frenchman not be fit enough, shock signing Wout Weghorst could be given another shot up top.
      Anthony Martial will hope to be available againCredit: Getty More

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      Why is Casemiro not playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?

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      BRAZILIAN superstar Casemiro has been the driving force in Manchester United’s resurgence – but he is set miss the trip to Arsenal.Casemiro had a stuttured start to life at Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag opted to use him off the bench in his first couple of appearances.
      Manchester United signed Casemiro for £70millionCredit: Getty
      But the former Real Madrid midfielder staked his claim in the starting eleven before quickly becoming a fan favourite having contributed highly to United’s recent success.
      The defensive rock is undoubtedly one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet – especially for crucial matches.
      However, the United gaffer will be forced to be without Casemiro when they take on league leaders Arsenal.
      Why is Casemiro not playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?
      Casemiro is set to miss Manchester United’s huge Premier League trip to Arsenal due to suspension.
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      The Brazilian international picked up a fifth yellow card of the season during United’s draw with Crystal Palace.
      Casemiro commited a reckless challenge on Wilfried ZahaCredit: Getty
      Casemiro received his fifth yellow card of the season resulting in a suspensionCredit: Getty
      And the rules state that should a player accumulate five yellow cards before the half-way point of the season, then they will serve a one match ban.
      What has been said?
      Manchester United fans are fearing that the absence of Casemiro could be damming on their chances of beating table-topping Arsenal.
      But the Red Devils boss has reminded everyone that his side were able to beat the Gunners without Casemiro last year.
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      Ten Hag said: “Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro.
      “Casemiro is obviously a really important player for us and he is one of the reasons that we are in the position that we are now.
      “We have a squad and we have to fill that gap and make a proper plan and the squad has to fill it. As a team, we already showed how to beat Arsenal.” More

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      Newcastle interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer with £35m Everton star on list of new striker targets

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      NEWCASTLE are interested in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin – with Eddie Howe eyeing a £35million move.The Toffees striker has had a torrid season, scoring just once as he battles a number of niggling injuries.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to keep fit at Everton this seasonCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard’s side – who are 19th in the Premier League – are struggling on and off the pitch amid a fan mutiny.
      And SunSport understands Everton are bracing themselves for bids for their star England striker.

      Newcastle want the 25-year-old this month but would be willing to wait until the summer if a deal can’t be reached.
      And a space in the squad for a striker could open up at St James’ Park with Chris Wood a target for Nottingham Forest.
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      A source said: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have.
      “They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains.
      “They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.”
      Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games this season as he battles a knee injury.
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      However, he is back and trying to get Everton out of their on-field crisis as their season implodes.
      Meanwhile, Lampard is understood to have told the Toffees board he must keep his top players if they want to stay up.
      There is interest in Jordan Pickford and Anthony Gordon alongside Calvert-Lewin during this window.
      All three are expected to quit the club if they were to be relegated to the Championship.
      That moved a step closer on Saturday after a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton. More

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      Three ways Leandro Trossard could fit into Arsenal’s line-up as they close in on shock transfer for Brighton outcast

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      ARSENAL are in talks to sign wantaway Brighton star Leandro Trossard with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options.The Gunners had hoped to sign Ukraine wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk.
      Arsenal are in talks over Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
      Trossard could operate on the left
      However, rivals Chelsea pipped them to the winger’s signature in an £88million transfer on an eight-and-a-half year deal.
      And so attention has turned towards Trossard, who is in the final six months of his contract with the Seagulls.
      The 28-year-old is also out of favour at Brighton following a public fallout with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      Italian De Zerbi criticised Trossard for his attitude.
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      Discussions with Arsenal remain ongoing, but are at an advanced stage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Chelsea could attempt to gazump Arsenal again, though, with Graham Potter said to be keen on a reunion with his former player.
      But should the Gunners sign the Belgium star, he can provide competition and cover in a number of positions.
      With his seven goals and three assists in the league this term, Trossard could start out wide on the left in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
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      Alternatively, Trossard could play as a No10
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      Trossard can also play as an attacking midfielder, or as a striker.
      Summer signing Fabio Vieira is finding game time hard to come by behind captain fantastic Martin Odegaard.
      Mikel Arteta may prefer Premier League proven Trossard to step in if need be, with his team sat top.
      Trossard would also be tasked with supplying the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, with main man Gabriel Jesus not expected to return from injury for a number of months.
      And should Nketiah pick up a knock, Trossard can also operate up front.
      Should disaster striker and Nketiah gets injured, Trossard can fill in up front More