Date: Sunday, 10th November Venue: Old Trafford Kick-Off: 16:10 GMT It has always been one of the Premier League's most anticipated fixtures - great goals, mistakes, penalty misses, red card and fights - from some of the country's best players and managers. Ryan Gigg's individual effort in 1999, then there are the games in Arsenal's invincible era - the battles between Patrick Viera and Roy Keane, Thierry Henry's tremendous volley, Ruud van Nistlerooy's penalty miss the ensuing melee - then there is the 8-2 humiliation of Arsenal in 2011 and Robin Van Persie's transfer to Arsenal's great rivals, and that is just a small list of events. Another of the talking points this fixture produces is the battle between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. This season though, it is David Moyes in charge and you cannot help but feel that his more laid back approach will not help the spectacle. And Wenger has a great record against the former Toffees' manager - recording 14 league victories against the Scotsman - Wenger's highest victory-count against any manager. United have not had the smoothest of starts under Moyes coming into the game in 8th place in the table having already losing 3 games - something that will feel unnatural to their fans given their previous success under Ferguson. It does appear though that Moyes is starting to find his feet at the helms, with 5 straight victories in all competitions and back-to-back in the league, something Moyes had not achieved prior at United. United have not yet beaten the current top 7 and Moyes has a very poor record against the big 4 and particularly Arsene Wenger during his 11 year tenure at Everton - something he will be desperate to put amends too. If he is to achieve this he will again have to look to the partnership of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie to produce the goods, and with that attacking talent up-front you can never write off the reigning champions. This month is going to be a true test of Arsenal's title's credentials. Having impressively disposed of Liverpool and then Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League gives Arsenal great confidence for their trip to Old Trafford and then the visit of in-form Southampton. Victories here could really convince any doubter that they are true title contenders. And they have already convinced Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp after the ever-impressing Aaron Ramsey struck to give Arsenal a memorable 1-0 victory at the Westfalenstadion - home of the Champions League runners-up. "They are young, healthy and good technicians. They won a clever game tonight." was Klopp's summary of the Premier League leaders. A win for Arsenal will be extra sweet for the fans who still have a bitter-taste in the mouth after the transfer of Robin Van Persie but on their current form you cannot see Arsenal losing this game, although Wayne Rooney and their former talisman will want something to say about that.
Team News
Brazilian wing-back Rafael is a doubt with an ankle injury. Danny Welbeck is a confirmed absentee with a knee injury Robin Van Persie is set to start against his former club. Mathieu Flamini appears to have overcome a groin injury he picked up in the 2-0 over Crystal Palace. Jack Wilshere is set for a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Abou Diaby, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Yaya Sanogo all remain sidelined.
Key Facts
Head-to-Head Manchester United have won 8 of their last 9 league match-ups against Arsenal. Wayne Rooney's first Premier League goal, first United league goal and his 100th career goal all came against Arsenal. This will be Arsene Wengers 50th game versus Manchester United having won the previous 15 (excluding penalty shoot-outs) Arsene have won three times at Old Trafford in the Premier League era - two out of those 3 times they went on to win the title. Manchester United Patrice Evra is the 3rd highest capped Frenchman in the Premier League only former Arsenal duo Patrick Viera and Thierry Henry have more. 14 out of their last 19 league goals have been scored or assisted by Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney. Arsenal Arsenal are the only team to have scored in every Premiership game this season. Aaron Ramsey has record 6 goals and 3 assists in his last 7 league appearances. Victory will give Arsenal their highest ever points tally after 11 games.
Recent Form
Manchester United - LLWDWWArsenal - WWDWWW
Likely Line-Ups
Manchester United - 4231 De Gea: Jones, Evans, Vidi, Evra: Fellaini, Carrick: Valencia, Rooney, Januzaj: Van Persie Arsenal - 4231 Szczsny: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs: Arteta, Flamini: Ramsey, zil, Cazorla: Giroud Prediction: 2-2 source - bbc football
18 years old. Southampton FC season ticket holder. Keen writer and love sharing my opinions with others. Looking to gain experience before starting a Sports Journalism course at university in 2014.
