19 November’s clash between Manchester United and Arsenal is set to be a feisty affair with Andre Marriner appointed as referee.

The man from the West Midlands has been in charge of 26 Arsenal games in total. We’ve won 18, lost six and obviously drew the rest.

Marriner has slapped us with 30 yellow cards, which is actually relatively low. He’s given United 38 in just 25 games.

In the past, we were often concerned with the amount of protection we would receive from Marriner because he didn’t seem to like giving out cards, which is fine to a degree and I understand it’s actually beneficial for clubs who play like Arsenal to get the chance to play on. However, when it comes to rotational fouling, the referee has to step in and put their foot down at some point before it gets out of hand.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Referee Andre Marriner in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Stoke City at Olympic Stadium on November 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Andre Marriner in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Stoke City at Olympic Stadium on November 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

This season, it appears as if Marriner has been cracking down on fouls in the box. He’s refereed eight Premier League games so far and has given FOUR penalties. Not only this but he’s given out 29 yellow cards and a red. He’s been a busy bee…

Hopefully, Marriner will give us the protection we deserve against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Jose’s teams love to kick us about the pitch and cynically foul us and given the history between Arsene Wenger and the Portuguese manager, as well as the atmosphere inside Old Trafford when we visit, it could all boil over very easily.

Fingers crossed he’s got better at telling the difference between players… you know… just in case Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are on the pitch at the same time…