Arsenal v Manchester United Preview

United to edge Gunners encounter

Arsenal v Manchester United Preview:

Premier League: Sunday, 22 January 2012 4:00pm

Author: Thomas Rooney 19/01/2012

Arsenal finally have the chance to make amends for the lowest point of their season and perhaps the last ten years when they play hosts to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners' 8-2 thrashing at Old Trafford back in August was the heaviest defeat under Arsene Wenger while also helping consign the north London outfit to their worst start in the Premier League under the Frenchman.

However not did it only break (all the wrong) records, but also came close to breaking Arsenal’s spirit as questions were asked of the club that hadn’t been put forward since Wenger took over 15 years ago.

If that game marked a low point in Wenger’s career then their response must count as one of his proudest as his side fought back to keep themselves in contention for a top four spot.

An eight game unbeaten run took them to within touching distance of the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham, but now they must embark upon another winning run to break into that elite club after seeing their form stumble of late.

Two defeats in a row against Swansea and Fulham and one win in their last four Premier League games is not the form of a top four club, and now they face the always daunting task of facing a Manchester United side looking to keep in the title hunt.

United sit just three points behind rivals Manchester City in the title race – City go up against would-be title contenders Tottenham a few hours earlier – and would dearly love to be level on points after what could be one of the biggest weekends of the season.

Both sides will be able to call upon icon’s from the past, with Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry proving in recent weeks that they are able to roll back the years with impressive performances to lend a helping hand to their respective sides.

Henry scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 F.A Cup win over Leeds last week while Scholes opened the scoring in United’s 3-0 win against Bolton on Saturday, and both men are in line for a starting spot on Sunday.

The Gunners defensive crisis continues as they go into the game once more without a recognised full-back unless Bacary Sagna makes a surprisingly quick recovery, although Thomas Vermaelen should feature having not featured since December.

Mikel Arteta is also a doubt for the game while reports that Henry is struggling to make the game with a calf complaint have yet to be confirmed.

United were given a boost after it was revealed Tom Cleverley was nearing full fitness but the game on Sunday comes too soon for the young midfielder, but Rio Ferdinand is a doubt having suffered concussion against Bolton.

Match bet: Manchester United @ 13/8 with PaddyPower - Ł50 free bet.

Correct score prediction: Arsenal 1:2 Manchester United @ 10/1 with Betfair