But the Gunners are in bad shape. With injury doubts over captain Cesc Fabregas and defenders Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen, they have won their last three games, but endured a horrific November as they lost four games in six.
Yet despite their unbeaten run - which dates back to the April 3 defeat against Chelsea - United are not in the best shape either. A 7-1 win over Blackburn brought some much needed confidence back for a side who made a speciality of throwing away two-goal leads earlier in the season, but a 4-0 hammering by West Ham in the Carling Cup exposed some flaws in the youth products at Old Trafford.
When Chelsea were steamrollering the division earlier in the season, talk was rife that their two nearest challengers had failed to improve enough to mount a decent challenge to the current champions. However, United's game in hand, Arsenal's newfound resilience and Chelsea's recent dip in form has rekindled the expectations for the Premier League's two most successful clubs and Monday night represents a real chance to stake a claim for the title once more.
United boast the Premier League's top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov; Arsenal have arguably the league's most in-form player, Samir Nasri. With the two most decorated managers in England, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, going head-to-head for the 40th time (Fergie: 16, Wenger: 15, draw: 9), the stage is set.
Manchester United player to watch: Wayne Rooney
Winner of the penalty and scorer of the final goal in the 2-0 win in 2004, Rooney has blossomed into one of the world's best strikers. However, this season he has been weighed heavy by tabloid gossip surrounding his personal life, talk over his future at the club and issues over his form on the pitch. With just one goal in the Premier League so far, the striker has been a shadow of his former self although now Sir Alex Ferguson claims he is getting back to his best. Powerful, incisive and a cool finisher, Rooney is a dangerous opponent even when his confidence is low and Arsenal won't take his threat lightly.
Arsenal player to watch: Alex Song
Criticisms of the Gunners over the years have been in the lack of physicality in the middle of the pitch. Now, with the powerful Song patrolling in front of the back four, the side look a lot more stable in midfield. Quickly becoming a vital player for the Gunners, Song's strength and commitment plays a crucial role in breaking up the opposition attacks and he can also slot into the centre of defence in a crisis. With the ball at his feet, he is a calm passer and launches a lot of attacks with some skilful distribution, but it will be his defensive nous that is most tested at Old Trafford.
Key Battle: Nani vs Gael Clichy
The Portuguese winger has suffered a little from the inevitable comparisons with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is starting to showcase his skills. Five goals in his 14 Premier League games this season has raised his profile and he has been responsible for saving some important points for his club. Tricky and fast, with the ball at his feet there are few better and his interchangeable role on the wings will provide a lot of the danger for the Gunners. In terms of pace, Clichy can certainly match up and his full-back partner Bacary Sagna may also be called into action as Nani switches flanks with regularity. The Frenchman has stamina and pace to burn, but has been guilty of a few lapses in concentration of late and will be severely punished for any such error in this game.
Trivia
Only three sides in English football have gone an entire season unbeaten. Liverpool in the Second Division in 1893-94, Preston in 1888-89, and Arsenal in 2003-04.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 12 Dec 10
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