Two of the games best strikers come face-to-face this weekend, with the memory of an unbelievable game of football fresh in their mind. Back in August Manchester United triumphed 8-2 over Arsenal, but since then Robin Van Persie has set the Premier League alight. So who will come out on top between Van Persie and Wayne Rooney...
It's an old football adage that the stats don't lie, and when you compare those of Robin Van Persie with Wayne Rooney, there's no hiding the fact that they're both having a sensational season. With great goals-to-game ratio, and the number of touches and passes showing how they influence their team, it looks like being a great showdown.
In August Manchester United and Wayne Rooney inflicted a resounding 8-2 defeat on Arsenal, with Rooney netting a hat-trick. However, since then it is Robin van Persie who has lit up the Premier League. The division’s top scorer has found the net 18 times in 21 appearances with a rate of 97 minutes per goal and 23% chance conversion, compared with Rooney’s 13 goals at a still impressive 114 minutes per goal and 19% chance conversion.
In terms of adding to all-round team play, the Dutchman has also been more influential to his team’s attacking play, with more assists (5), crosses (115) and chances created (48). However, Rooney sees more of the ball during a match with more touches and passes per game, reflecting his slightly deeper lying position for Manchester United. Rooney also boasts better pass (82%) and dribble (64%) completion rates
As a great sub-plot to the striker showdown, it's a classic adidas versus Nike situation as their respective power boots will be leading the line. For Van Persie it's the adidas adiPower Predator, one of the most revolutionary Preds for some time as adidas have introduced lightweight performance. Rooney, as he has done for a number of years, will be representing the Total 90 range, which continues to innovate and adapt it's ShotShield to generate the perfect strike.
Football's eyes will be on this showdown. We know the players, we know their football boots, and now we know their stats, so who will come out on top – Robin Van Persie or Wayne Rooney? Have your say and share your opinions online, on Twitter and on Facebook.