Manchester United-Arsenal: Preview

Champions of Europe. Champions of England.

United will be carrying each title when they travel to the Emirates at noon on Saturday, hoping to get a result against the injury-plagued Gunners.

If they succeed, they remain in third behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool, who are level on points. Fail and they could see Arsenal overtake them, bearing in mind that United have a game in hand.

It seems that the odds are heavily stacked against the team from North London.

They are without strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott, while defenders William Gallas and Bakary Sagna have been ruled out ahead of the game.

Without a decent attacking force and without much cover at the back, Arsenal will have to look to their youngsters to perform. United, on the other hand, have no fresh injury concerns, although midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes will not be in the line-up.

It looks like Ferguson will be starting with Scotsman Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in the centre, with the Brazilian Anderson on the bench.

United will have to rethink about their defence, after recent blunders from Rio Ferdinand and Rafael da Silva, which caused the opening goal by Celtic yesterday, when the Brazilian bombed forward in attack, often neglecting his defensive duties.

Meanwhile, Arsenal should start with Dutchman Robin van Persie in attack, who, despite being injury prone, is a lethal goal-poacher. Wenger will probably play the youngster Denilson alongside Fabregas in midfield, and with Tomas Rosicky carrying a hamstring injury, summer signing Nasri should play on the wings.

United have not been in their best form recently, with draws against Everton and Celtic, while Arsenal have suffered a 1-2 defeat to Stoke City, and could only give a goalless draw against Fenerbahce last night.

Both teams will be looking to capitalise on any chances, and it will be likely that United take all three points home.

Key Battles

Dimitar Berbatov vs Kolo Toure

One has to admit that since the Bulgarian forward signed for United, he has failed to prove his worth, looking at his performances. The number nine has been showing signs of form in recent matches and should perform on Saturday, and with in-form Wayne Rooney just behind him, United should find the winning goal without much issue.

However, Arsenal have a rock at the back in the form of defender Kolo Toure, who will feel the burden with skipper William Gallas injured.

Samir Nasri vs Patrice Evra

The two Frenchmen will be facing off on the wings, and Wenger will be telling Nasri to capitalise on his fellow countryman's mistakes should he plan to move forward in attack. Experience should play a factor in this clash.

Anderson vs Cesc Fabregas

The two have met before in previous clashes, with the Brazilian usually having the upper hand, especially in the 4-0 demolition of the Gunners in the FA Cup last season. However, bet on Fabregas to win most of the possession this time.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 United 3

Expect the goals in this fiery clash, with end-to-end action, pitting courage and youth against speed and steel. United should emerge tops, capitalising on inexperience. However, expect the Gunners to make a game of it.