Arsenal v Manchester United: Arsenal are Gunner be a handful for the champions

Aston Villa and the framework prevented Arsenal from taking all three points in midweek but the Panel firmly believes that nothing will stop the Gunners gain all three points against the champions this afternoon. Nobody, so far, thinks that United, who of course will be on a high following their dramatic Carling Cup win over neighbours City, will be able to stop Cesc Fabregas and co today but that will be music to the ears of Sir Alex Ferguson.

United may not be the same force as what they once were but you cannot argue with the results they have been getting. Critics have labelled them a one-man team (that man of course being the sublime Wayne Rooney) and that they don’t have the same strength in depth as they used to, but they are currently second in the league, in the Carling Cup final and still involved in the Champions League. Just wait until they start playing well!

However, this is a massive game for both clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United were the two most dominate teams in the English game until Roman Abramovich arrived at Chelsea and Arsene began to put more emphasis on youth. But it is still a huge game that will go a long way to determining who will be champions come May. Wenger and Ferguson may have cooled their fiery relationship a long time ago but they will still be itching to get one over on the other.

Arsenal also have a number of points to prove. In August they were all over United at Old Trafford before Rooney scored a penalty and Diaby inexplicably headed into his own net. The Gunners will also be smarting following last season’s Champions League drubbing and Sol Campbell’s possible return to the starting line-up will re-ignite the feud with Rooney when he won a penalty in 2004 to end Arsenal’s long unbeaten run.

The Gunners have only suffered one defeat at home this season (v Chelsea) but United have lost four away from home. They are yet to win at the Emirates in the league and you have to go back five years for their last win on Arsenal territory.

Cesc Fabregas has been in sublime form this season and has driven Arsenal forward at every opportunity. If he is on form then Arsenal will have a great chance of boosting their title aspirations. However, in the other camp, Rooney is having the season of his life and just can’t stop scoring. I believe whoever has the most influence of today’s game will be celebrating come 6pm.

A win for Arsenal will see them close the gap to the leaders Chelsea to just two points, setting up next weekend’s clash at the Bridge nicely. A win for United though will be a huge blow for the Gunners and take United to within a point of Chelsea.

Nemanja Vidic is expected to come in and partner Evans in defence in place of the suspended Rio Ferdinand while Arsene Wenger could be about to give Sol Campbell an unexpected start if Vermaelen doesn’t prove his fitness in time. Nicklas Bendtner could make his first appearance in three months, Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are available for selection but Eduardo is definitely out due to a hamstring problem.

Arsenal v Manchester United; Kick Off 4pm 31 Jan 2010

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 2 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 0
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 2 - 1

Panel Verdict

It looks as though Arsenal will get all three points to set up an interesting clash at the Bridge next weekend.

Home: 10; Draw: 4; Away: 0; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!