Date: 12th February Venue: Emirates Stadium Time: 19.45 The Red Devils travel to take on an Arsenal side smarting after a 5-1 mauling from Liverpool, knowing their Champions League campaign hangs in the balance.
Key Stats
Arsenal welcome back Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini the former after five months out with a back injury, the latter returning after a three-match ban. However, Aaron Ramsey, Kim Kallstrom, Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott all remain injured, while Manchester United have lost Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Marouane Fellaini to the treatment room. Manchester United are protecting a record of only one loss in 13 against Arsenal in all competitions, the only blotch on the unbeaten record being a 1-0 home Arsenal win in May 2011. The stats look worse for Arsenal taken historically as the Gunners have lost 20 times to their rivals in the Premier League, more so than any other team. However, on current form the hosts look stronger despite their Liverpool humbling, Arsenal were unbeaten in eight games and could go top again tonight with a victory. On the other side of the coin, Manchester United are 15 points behind leaders Chelsea, nine points off the top four and sit on their worst 25-match points tally since the 1990/91 season, where they were a point worse off.
Match Preview
Both sides need to come back firing after a disappointing weekend, but despite a comparatively better result, things undoubtedly look more dire for David Moyes and Manchester United. Their inability to hold onto victory against Fulham means the Red Devils are now nine points adrift of their old rivals Liverpool and Champions League qualification. While the Reds inflicted a morale-sapping defeat on Arsene Wenger's men last Sunday, the Frenchman's mood would have been lifted by an unexpected gift from West Bromwich Albion, who held Chelsea 1-1 yesterday. That result means Arsenal can take their place at the top of the table with victory tonight, although the Gunners will be vulnerable after their shellacking at Anfield Wenger needs star man Mesut Ozil to rediscover his form after only two assists in his last eight games. The result will probably hinge on whether Robin Van Persie has brought his scoring boots, as the Dutchman has scored in the last five meetings between the sides, the previous three for his new club. But with both sides reeling after previous results, expect a cagey affair as the managers put their teams out not get beaten, rather than throw caution to the wind and attack. Prediction: 1-1
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
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