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Manchester United v Arsenal: Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere set to return for Old Trafford clash

Manager Arsene Wenger anticipating welcome return for midfield pair

James Orr
Friday 08 November 2013 12:15 GMT
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Mathieu Flamini could return to the Arsenal team for the Manchester United fixture
Mathieu Flamini could return to the Arsenal team for the Manchester United fixture

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere could return to the team for the crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Flamini has been a lucky charm for the Gunners since re-joining over the summer, with the team unbeaten in the 10 matches he has played in, winning eight and drawing two. He has been out since 26 October after suffering a groin strain in the 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace. Wilshere missed the 2-0 win against Liverpool last weekend with an ankle knock.

“Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere will join in [Friday's] training session,” Wenger revealed.

It will be the first fixture between the teams since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but Wenger says when he sees Ferguson at Old Trafford on Sunday their relationship will be a bit more “peaceful” than when they were rivals.

“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] will be a bit more peaceful and a bit more serene. It's too early to tell the difference under [David] Moyes. He has shown great competence at Everton.”

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After keeping a clean sheet in both of their matches this week, against Liverpool in the league, and at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Wenger has hailed the improvements made to the defence this season, with the centre-back pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny particularly impressing.

“We have made a lot of improvements at the back - but there is a lot do,” he said. “Mertesacker and Koscielny complement each other well - the team help them as well.”

Creating chances and scoring goals, the striker Olivier Giroud has flourished in his second season in England, but Wenger had to deal with criticism for both the French international’s form and his decision to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United last season. Giroud has played in 17 games for the Gunners in this campaign, scoring eight goals.

“Giroud has a good stamina and a strong body - I don't see any sign of fatigue,” Wenger added.

On Van Persie’s £24m departure he said: “In the end I had to decide whether to sell Van Persie knowing I would receive huge criticism.”

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