Arsenal V Manchester United Preview: Arsenal's Biggest Game of the Year

With probably their biggest match of the season coming up this weekend, Arsenal need to win or it's a fourth year without the Premier League trophy sitting in their cabinet.

Arsenal are hampered by injuries with star strikers Robin van Persie (suspended) and Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) both definately out, plus the likes of Theo Walcott, William Gallas and Bacary Sagna subject to late fitness tests, Arsenal are playing an inexperienced side especially where it really matters up front.

Expected side: *(subject to fitness)

1. Manuel Almunia
2. Emmanuel Eboue
3. Kolo Toure(c)
4. Mikeal Silvestre
5. Gael Clichy
6. Theo Walcott*
7. Cesc Fabregas
8. Denilson
9. Samir Nasri
10. Niklas Bendtner
11. Carlos Vela

Substitutes: Lukas Fabianski, Johan Djourou, Abou Diaby, Alexandre Song, Jay Simpson, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey

Though lacking key players and with an average age of 22-24, you would expect them to beat most teams in the Premier League. But Arsenal have somehow managed to lose and draw games they should of won, purely because of their inconsistency and inability to play for 90 minutes.

Firstly Arsenal need to find a reliable, experienced captain to motivate the youngsters: Cesc Fabregas and Manuel Almunia fit perfectly. Cesc has experience, is a great player and would motivate the side like Patrick Vieira did. If Cesc is made captain he will be a lot less likely to move from Arsenal. Manuel Almunia is keen and reliable, and at 31 has buckets of experience and wisdom.

With this upcoming game against Man Utd, Arsenal need to attack the wings. Gary Neville with Samir Nasri, Nasri is extremely skilled at cutting in quickly and creating an overlap. Theo Walcott (if he plays) must use his pace against Patrice Evra, now that Walcott has a season under his belt, he should be too quick for Evra plus he is equipped with fine balance, which may just be the key.

Gael Clichy will no doubt do his best to contain Christiano Ronaldo but it is Giggs on Eboue that may be a worry. Eboue can be lazy in defence and will try to attack too much. Eboue must watch out for the wise Welshman.

It will be interesting to see how Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner cope with Vidic and Rio Ferdinand on their tales. Wenger says: "Vela is one of the best prospects I've ever seen". Hopefully he can carve through the United defence. Bendter's passing and first touch will have to be magnificent if he wants to challenge the United goal.

If Arsenal loose at the Emirates they kiss good bye to their Premier League hopes and Cesc Fabregas will, no doubt, be interested in moving to a bigger club. I have a feeling Man United will come off second best, and just maybe Carlos Vela will provide the answer.