A United win, while not a formality, is certainly expected by many as the club have won seven and lost one of their last nine matches against Arsenal in all competitions. It is a record that makes worse reading for Gunners' fans when you consider that the game will be officiated by Mike Dean, under whom Arsene Wenger's side have won none of their last ten Premier League games (W0 D5 L5).
While Arsenal did beat United 1-0 at the Emirates last season, they have struggled a little since and have only scored more than once in four of their last 16 Premier League games at home and netted just 20 in total over those matches. That said, home is where they have been most stable. With an away record that contains six defeats in ten (including the humiliating 8-2 at Old Trafford) the seven wins with only six goals conceded are a source for optimism in the midst of an injury crisis that has robbed Wenger of most of his defence.
A boost could come in the form of Thomas Vermaelen, who could return at left-back if he can shake off a calf strain, but it looks likely that Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel will be pressed into service once more on the flanks with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the middle. Of course, up front, Thierry Henry's loan arrival at the Emirates has given them a boost in the absence of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, but United have their own returning hero.
Midfielder Paul Scholes is back at the club to help with their own injury crisis and help them through a period in which they have been uncharacteristically sloppy. A premature exit from the Champions League, Carling Cup defeat to Championship club Crystal Palace and two back-to-back defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle was reason enough to bring the classy midfielder out of retirement and the poor run was quickly tempered by knocking rivals City out of the FA Cup and a 3-0 hammering of Bolton.
The Da Silva twins, Fabio and Rafael, have returned to bolster the defence and, with Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans all fit, Sir Alex Ferguson has a few more options at the back. Furthermore, with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Wayne Rooney firing on all cylinders in attack, United will be confident that they can inflict a third straight defeat on Arsenal.
Arsenal player to watch: Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman has quickly become central to Arsenal's midfield with a long-term injury to Jack Wilshere, however a poor personal performance in the 3-2 defeat to Swansea showed that he still has work to do. Clever and comfortable on the ball, Ramsey was guilty of giving it away far too easily and cannot afford to make the same mistakes against the Red Devils. He scored in this fixture last season, but has only managed one Premier League goal since.
Manchester United player to watch: Park Ji-Sung
The South Korean is often thrown into United's biggest games and has emerged as a more central figure for the club this season, such is his positional sense and reliability. His work-rate and stamina are the key aspects of his game and among the bare bones of Fergie's squad, his work has been invaluable. Even if the midfielder does not last the entire game, his pressing and eye for a pass mean he will be a handful wherever he pops up.
Key Battle: Ignasi Miquel v Antonio Valencia
In the absence of others, the young Spanish defender has been plugging a gap at left-back, but it is by no means a position that he finds himself comfortable in. Strong and quick, he has the tools at his disposal to cope, but his positional sense and lack of experience at this level have found him wanting. A bad time, then, to be coming up against one of the form players in the Premier League this season. Valencia has proved himself to be a model of versatility as he has filled in at right-back for United, but having been restored to a more familiar wing role, he has blossomed. With a deadly delivery, pace and tricks, Miquel is in for a tough afternoon against the Ecuadorian and Wenger may hope that Vermaelen is able to return to spare his young charge.
Source: Jon Carter, ESPN Soccernet on 22 Jan 12
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