Wenger downplays showdown with Jose

The next chapter in one of the Premier League's most volatile managerial rivalries will be written this weekend when Arsene Wenger's Arsenal visits Jose Mourinho's Manchester United.

Sparks often fly when the pair share a touchline, typified by a notorious shoving match during a Chelsea-Arsenal match at Stamford Bridge two years ago.

Wenger has never beaten Mourinho in the league and has been branded a "specialist in failure" by his Portuguese nemesis, but with Arsenal six points above United, he currently has the upper hand.

"You know, we didn't lose always," Wenger said when asked about his record against Mourinho on Thursday.

"We have beaten them and there were many draws as well. I think I have won against every manager in the world during my 20 years here, so I do not make this game a competition between two managers.

"It's between two teams. I can understand that people want to create controversy, but that is not what makes the audience.

"I think it's important that it's a top-level game because it will be watched all over the world. For the reputation of the Premier League, it's important that the quality of the game is good."

Wenger intends to make a late check on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, who is not due to report back from international duty with Chile until Friday.

Sanchez scored twice in his national team's 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay on Tuesday, despite Wenger warning beforehand it would be "suicidal" for him to play due to a hamstring problem.

Arsenal will be definitely without rightback Hector Bellerin and central midfielder Santi Cazorla, who have ankle and Achilles problems respectively.

But Wenger's selection problems pale by comparison beside Mourinho's, amid reports the United manager could be without up to seven regular starters.

Centerbacks Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling will miss the game through injury, along with suspended top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

There are also fitness doubts over captain Wayne Rooney, midfielder Marouane Fellaini and fullbacks Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw.

With Saturday's match taking place at midday, victory for Arsenal would lift Wenger's side to the top of the standings and leave United a yawning nine points off the pace.

Liverpool, the current leader, will look to pick up where it left off prior to the international break when it visits Southampton later on Saturday.

(China Daily 11/19/2016 page9)