Premier League Preview: Manchester United v Arsenal

Manchester United can move two points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand after one of the biggest Premier League clashes of the season.

Manchester United will be chomping at the bit to get after one of their main title rivals after last weekend’s match against Blackpool was postponed due to poor weather. Arsenal have been quietly going about their business making the most of Chelsea’s poor form with a 2-1 win against Fulham last weekend.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be able to welcome back a number of first choice players for this game. Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have been cleared to play after their injuries turned out to be not as bad as first feared. United should also be able to bring left-back Patrice Evra back into the side at the expense of Brazilian Fabio Da Silva.

Michael Owen is pushing for a place on the substitute bench but there is no hope of a place in the squad for midfielders Owen Hargreaves or Antonio Valencia. Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov look set to continue their partnership in attack if Ferguson decides to go with a 4-4-2 formation.

There is no reason for Ferguson to use anything other than this formation because Arsenal have their best player in Cesc Fabregas missing for the game. The Arsenal skipper has the ability to control the midfield and his inclusion in the side may have forced Ferguson into a 4-5-1 with only one striker up top.

Nani should continue down one of the flanks along with Park Ji-Sung while it’s a toss up between Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick over who will partner Scholes in the middle of the team. Ferguson is most likely to opt for Fletcher who is the naturally more aggressive of the pair. Ryan Giggs could feature down either flank of the team but Ferguson is likely to stick with the fitter Park.

United have the edge over Arsenal in recent games. The last Premier League meeting between the sides was back in January when United trumped Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have managed only one draw against United in the last five matches between the two clubs.

United are the favourites for this game at a best price of 21/20 on the current market. Old Trafford has been a successful hunting ground for Arsenal at rare times and they are not out of the equation at 16/5. The draw is currently priced at 5/2.