Manchester United V Arsenal

Arsenal must go to Old Trafford and win if they stand any chance of landing the Premier League title.

Arsenal, after promising so much this season with the flair and swagger of a youngish side that cost very little compared to their major rivals, are now odds on to finish the season with no more silverware than when they started.

Big results have ended with Arsenal on the wrong end of the scoresheet;

Carling Cup – 5-1 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Spurs

FA Cup – 4-0 drubbing by Man Utd

Champions League – Painful 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League

So in the week that they dramatically went out of the Champions League, the fixture list cruelly pitches them up against high flying Manchester United – away at Old Trafford. It’s the only competition they are still playing in, albeit playing 6 points behind Manchester United and 3 points behind Chelsea.

It’s now a big job for Arsene Wenger to raise Arsenal’s spirits again, knowing a win would put them within three points of United.

Wenger will be hoping he can squeeze more out of Fabregas, Arsenal’s key man. The young Spaniard has looked a little jaded in some recent games, not surprisingly as he has had little break this season. In contrast, Alex Ferguson rested his two key men in midweek, Rooney and Ronaldo.

Manchester United will also view this game as a must win, anything less may hand an advantage to Chelsea who face Wigan on Monday night, a game they will be expected to win.

Ultimately, Manchester United are strong favourites to put the final nail in Arsenal’s coffin and only the spirit that Arsene has harped on about all season can save Arsenal from a fruitless season.