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Preview: Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Preview: Arsenal vs. Manchester United
© PA Photos
Arsenal are eager to remain in contention for a top-four position as they take on Manchester United in a showdown at the Emirates on Sunday.

Arsenal can increase their chance of reaching the top four with a result against Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.

The North London side host the Premier League champions for the first time since their humiliating 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Red Devils and will be hoping to avoid a repeat of that crushing scoreline.

The Gunners are unlikely to call upon loan signing Thierry Henry as the striker is dealing with a calf strain. Another blow to Arsene Wenger's side is the loss of Mikel Arteta, who is expected to miss out as he continues to deal with a leg problem.

While Arsenal are still dealing with a number of casualties, Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel are likely to start in defence at the Emirates, with Robin van Persie leading the line for the North London side.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that he can recall Rio Ferdinand at centre-back following concussion suffered during the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

Paul Scholes scored at Old Trafford on Saturday but could drop down to the bench alongside Nani, who is likely to make way for Ji-Sung Park. Javier Hernandez is expected to partner Wayne Rooney up front as Danny Welbeck recovers from an injury.


Current form:

Arsenal: LWDWLL
Manchester United: WWWLLW

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Miquel; Song, Ramsey, Benayoun; Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Park; Rooney, Hernandez

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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Written by
Danielle Joynson

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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