Arsenal

Arsenal were recently on top of the Premier League, but you would never have guessed that after the media reaction to their FA Cup defeat at Stoke City last weekend. It is clear that Arsene Wenger feels his side is good enough to win 1 of the top 2 prizes this season and is concentrating on that whole-heartedly.

The Gunners sit in 3rd spot in the Premier League, 1 point behind their opponents today and a further 4 points behind leaders Chelsea, the opponents for Arsenal next Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal are 9-1-1 at the Emirates Stadium this season, scoring 34 goals and conceding 11. Only Chelsea have scored more goals on their own turf this season, largely thanks to their 7-2 home win over Sunderland 2 weeks ago.

The defeat at Stoke is Arsenal's only one in their last 12 games in all competitions. More importantly, they are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games since losing to Chelsea here, winning 7 of those games. Arsenal have won 4 of their last 5 at home.

Sol Campbell is possibly going to receive his first Premier League start since rejoining Arsenal as Thomas Vermaelan is struggling with an injury picked up at Aston Villa. Eduardo is also out but Nicolas Bentdner is back in the squad along with returning Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue.

Manchester United

Manchester United reached their 2nd consecutive Carling Cup Final by defeating Manchester City on Wednesday night, but will look to close the gap to Chelsea here- Chelsea extended their lead over United at the top of the table to 4 points after their win on Saturday.

Manchester United sit in 2nd place in the Premier League and have a 6-1-4 away record where they have scored 22 goals and conceded 11. United have the joint best away defensive record in terms of goals conceded with Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The Red Devils remain frustratingly inconsistent for their fans and it really is their form at Old Trafford that has been keeping them in the title race in recent weeks. United are unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League fixtures. They have only won 1 of their last 4 away games in all competitions.

Nemanja Vidic is in line to replace Rio Ferdinand who is suspended.

Head to Head

Arsenal have only won 1 of their last 8 games against Manchester United in all competitions. During this same run of games, United have won 5 times.

Arsenal had won 2 of the 3 matches played at the Emirates Stadium before United came in and won 1-3 in the Champions League Semi Final.

Arsenal have only lost 1 of their last 7 home games against Manchester United in the Premier League.

Prediction

Arsenal reigned in the top 2 after their disappointing home loss to Chelsea and are firmly back in the title picture. However, with games against United, Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon, this is a real test to see what a genuine threat they are.

Manchester United have lost at Liverpool and Chelsea already this season, both times failing to score, and it is in these games that United can look a little lost. Their away form has not been good in recent weeks and this is going to be a real test for the Champions.

I have been disappointed with United in recent weeks, with them seemingly playing well in patches but then going off the boil in matches. If they dont score while on top, especially in games like this, they are very much there for the taking.

Arsenal play good football, but we can expect United to flood the midfield to stop them doing so and try to limit the influence Cesc Fabregas has on the game. Both teams will look to win the game to put the pressure on Chelsea, but I have a feeling that Arsene Wenger may be the man celebrating at the end of 90 minutes.

The Pick :

Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Arsenal WIN