Gunners and United face selection problems for Emirates clash

Arsenal

• Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are in line for a recall after returning from the African Cup of Nations.
• He could be joined in midfield by Abou Diaby after a calf strain.
• Sol Campbell is poised to start his first Arsenal league game since May 2006.
• Arsene Wenger’s side are unbeaten in their last ten Premier League matches.
• Captain Cesc Fabregas has scored five goals in his last five games.

• Striker Eduardo is out with a hamstring strain.
• Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful with a bruised leg.
• Arsenal have beaten United only once in their last seven meetings.
• Kieran Gibbs will miss the rest of the season with a foot problem.
• Dutch star Robin van Persie could miss the rest of the campaign with an ankle injury.
• Defender Johan Djourou has been ruled out for the campaign with a knee problem.

Manchester United

• Striker Wayne Rooney has scored 12 goals in his last ten league appearances.
• United came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1at Old Trafford in August.
• Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are unbeaten against the Gunners in their last four meetings.
• Winger Antonio Valencia has scored three goals in his last five games.

• Centre back Rio Ferdinand is unavailable as he starts a four-match ban for violent conduct.
• Nemanja Vidic is still struggling to recover from a leg injury.
• Defender John O’Shea is expected to be out until at least March with a thigh problem.

Expert Advice

Manchester United have enjoyed the better of things between the two arch-rivals in recent years but Arsenal will go the clash in confident mood on the back of a ten-match unbeaten run in the league. The return to full fitness of Nicklas Bendtner will be a boost to the Gunners attack but the loss of Thomas Vermaelen at the back will be a major blow to the home side as they to quash the threat of Wayne Rooney. The United striker is in unstoppable form at the moment and keeping the England star quiet looks the key to a home win. Arsenal are not the only team with problems at the back, though, with Sir Alex Ferguson once again likely to be deprived of his two first-choice centre backs. A draw is not much use to either side but it’s difficult to predict a result, so Betsson’s odds of 1.92for there to be over 2.5 goals appears a sound bet.

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