29/04/2011 09:25 , Mark Froggatt
Victory at the Emirates will send United 12 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League…
Form Guide
For a long time, this fixture looked set to be a title decider as both sides battled it out for the Premier League crown. However, Arsenal’s recent collapse in form (two points from a possible nine) has allowed Chelsea to usurp the Gunners into second place as United’s main title rivals. Arsene Wenger’s side will be keen to capitalise on a week's rest period though, following their 2-1 defeat to Bolton last Sunday. The Reds, meanwhile, are six points clear at the top following a nervy 1-0 win over Everton and are boosted by an outstanding attacking performance during the 2-0 win over Schalke in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
Ins and outs
The Gunners are without long-term absentee Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder), Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen, who won't be risked after making his comeback from an Achilles problem at Old Trafford in Thursday's reserve-team draw. Otherwise, Arsene Wenger has a full squad at his disposal. It’s a similar situation for Sir Alex Ferguson, who is only without Owen Hargreaves (shoulder), Anders Lindegaard (knee) and Darren Fletcher, who is likelier to play in midweek. Dimitar Berbatov has recovered from his groin injury.
Last meeting
Following consecutive defeats to Chelsea and then Liverpool, United were faced with the daunting task of facing the Gunners in the FA Cup sixth round at Old Trafford. With a do-or-die clash against Marseille looming large, Sir Alex opted for rotation and, in particular, Brazilian flair as Rafael and Fabio stole the headlines (and a goal in the latter’s case) with a pair of sensational performances in an impressive 2-0 win.
Star man
In contrast to some of his team-mates, Robin van Persie is a man very much in form. The Dutch international has netted 15 goals in his last 15 Premier League games, taking his tally for the season to 19 in all competitions. A remarkable feat, considering the Arsenal striker spent almost three months of the campaign on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Any sub-plots?
With a nine-point gap between the two sides, Arsenal must beat United in order to keep their fading title hopes alive. A draw at the Emirates stadium would mean the Gunners can only win the league on goal-difference, while a Reds triumph would eliminate them from the race completely.
Whistle-blower
Chris Foy has been handed this fixture for the second time this season, having refereed United’s FA Cup victory over the Gunners in March. The Staffordshire official has been quite lenient with the cards this season – handing out just 77 yellows and two reds in 31 games.
Did you know?
Based on the last five season run-ins, United have won an average of 8.6 points from the last four Premier League games.
Rivals watch
Chelsea host Tottenham in huge game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, bidding to close the gap at the top to three points, while Manchester City entertain West Ham at Eastlands the following day.
Credit: Manchester United (www.manutd.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment