Rio Ferdinand v Olivier Giroud
With talismanic centre-half Nemanja Vidic now confirmed to be out until Christmas (
according to an interview with Sir Alex quoted on Sky Sports,) United need their other experienced centre-back to step up and provide his team with a strong foundation. The former Leeds and West Ham man has faced scrutiny this season, thanks to perceived lack of form and fitness and an uncharacteristic frailty in the United back-line, but Ferdinand remains a huge influence for the side, and without Vidic's impressive aerial skills, he will face some big battles before December's end. Ferdinand's first task today will be keeping French striker Olivier Giroud quiet. The former Montpellier player has flattered to deceive for much of the season so far since joining in a summer move, but he has been preferred as the central option for Wenger, with Lukas Podolski playing wide on the left, and Gervinho out wide on the right. At stages, Giroud has impressed - particularly in the high-socring midweek cup match against Reading, which may just give him the boost he needs to find his scoring touch in the league.