Tomorrow night Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
During the week United left-back Patrice Evra branded the London side as a ‘training centre’ because they haven’t managed to win a major trophy since 2005. Winger Luis Nani has recognised the Gunners threat, stating that they are a bigger threat in the league than Chelsea.
Arsenal currently sit top of the table, joint with Manchester City, but United have a game in hand. City have played one more game than Arsenal and two more than United.
There is a possibility that United could be fourth in the table going into the game if Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in one of today’s league matches.
Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra should all be passed fit to start. Jonny Evans and Wes Brown are both rated as doubtful, Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Owen Hargreaves are all missing due to injury.
For Arsenal, Johan Djourou may return from a thigh strain but Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby, Emmanuel Frimpong and Thomas Vermaelen are all out with injuries. Also out is full-back Kieran Gibbs won’t be involved after picking up an injury during Arsenal’s win over Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League midweek and has been ruled out for three weeks. Captain Cesc Fabregas is struggling to recover from a hamstring injury and is a major doubt.
Manchester United have scored one more goal than Arsenal in the league and also conceded less goals. United also boast the Premier League’s best home record after picking up a total of 22 points, compared to Arsenal who have only picked up 15 points at home. Arsenal are joint top of the away league with Manchester City after picking up 17 points away from home, United have only managed to pick up 9 points away in the league.
The current two longest serving managers of English football league managers will go head-to-head for the 40th time. Sir Alex Ferguson has recorded 16 wins over his rival, compared to Arsene Wenger’s 15 wins, there have been nine draws.
In head-to-head battles, the clubs have played each other a total of 209 times in all competitions. United have 86 wins to their name, Arsenal have won 77 times and there have been 46 draws.
Howard Webb has been appointed referee for tomorrows clash. Webb has only refereed one game involving the Red Devils this season; the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford back in September. He has also only officiated one game involving Arsenal; the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park in November. In all competitions this season Webb has refereed 19 games, showing 63 yellow cards and only one red card.
