Goalscorer Preview - Manchester United v Arsenal: Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes should shake off a slight injury worry to take his place in the Manchester United midfield against Arsenal.

The only reason Scholes has been in and out of the team this season is because he does not have the fitness he enjoyed in his younger days. Scholes and players such as Ryan Giggs need frequent rests to ensure they are at their best for the big games.

Scholes will start against Arsenal in the middle of a four man midfield unless Sir Alex Ferguson chooses to go with a 4-5-1 formation. Scholes is likely to be the aggressor in the midfield, which means either Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick is likely to play with him and protect the back four.

Arsenal will not be an easy opponent to break down and beat, which makes Scholes’ quality on the ball vital. He rarely gives away possession and this will be vital during spells where United are trying to build some pressure on their opponents and create an opportunity.

Scholes also gets into a lot of positions where he has the chance to shoot on goal. Corners and free kicks nearly always end up with him hovering around the edge of the area. He is arguably the best in the game at latching onto a loose ball before smashing it towards the opposition goal.

The midfield maestro has scored as many goals this season as Wayne Rooney and he should be scoring a lot more than one. He will score again at some point in the near future and there is no reason why this match shouldn’t be the game he chooses to cash in.

Scholes is well priced at 16/1 to score before anyone else and 6/1 to bag a goal at some point during the match. These odds will only shorten.