afc MatchTALK: Manchester United

[CarltonLeach]

Struggling Arsenal face the unenviable task of travelling to Old Trafford to meet Manchester United on Sunday.United, even without central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, thrashed Tottenham 3-0 and will be full of confidence ahead of their meeting against Arsene Wenger's team.Arsenal qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stages with a 2-1 win over Udinese in the second leg on Wednesday, but there are still several worries despite the victory.Midfielder Samir Nasri has departed for Manchester City, leaving another hole for Wenger to fill in midfield after Cesc Fabregas got his move to Barcelona.Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin were both initially brought in to provide some spark in midfield, but they are struggling for form.Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila is reportedly a target for Wenger, who needs to sign at least one playmaker before the transfer window closes on August 31.Forward Gervinho is still out through suspension, likewise midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, while Jack Wilshere has been a big loss because of injury.It makes for a tough trip to Manchester, whose youngsters have been able to fill the void left by Ferdinand and Vidic.Phil Jones has made a fantastic start to his United career, Jonny Evans has done little wrong, while midfielder Tom Cleverley continues to impress.Ferdinand could be back for the clash against Arsenal, but Sir Alex Ferguson has unexpected depth in defence if he chooses not to risk him.Wayne Rooney has scored in both matches, while Danny Welbeck also netted against Tottenham and could keep Javier Hernandez, expected to be available for a starting berth after coming on as a substitute on Monday, on the bench.While Ferguson has Evans, Jones and Chris Smalling as back-up, Wenger has had little to choose from in his squad.New captain Robin van Persie has had little impact without service and while the defence has been solid, keeping Manchester United at bay at Old Trafford should prove too big an ask./

Ryan Giggs has warned Manchester United not to underestimate wounded Arsenal when the two sides clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.The champions have won 21 of their last 22 Premier League games at the Theatre of Dreams.They’ve also triumphed five times in the last six home meetings against the Gunners.And despite their Champions League triumph against Udinese, Arsenal are still reeling from losing key midfielders, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.They’ve also only collected one point from their opening two league games.But Giggs, who yesterday saw United placed favourably in a weak Group C during the Champions League draw, insists: “Arsenal are still a quality team with quality players.“On their day they can beat anyone in Europe. They’ve proved that for years and years now.“OK, so they’ve got a few injuries and a couple of players have left. But they’ve still got so much quality there.“They’ve got a great manager and Arsenal are a great club. So you never underestimate them.”

I've always liked Ryan Giggs, nice guy

[8BALL]

The prospect of a midfield combination of Lansbury and Rosicky with Ramsey in an advanced role doesn't fill me with any sort of confidence.Even heard Djourou may be played in a midfield role.Verm and Kos both doubts, if they're not fit we will get slaughtered.On the plus side, I think if we keep 11 men on the pitch we are in with a shout.On the negative side,

[CarltonLeach]

Arsenal have scored just eight goals in 19 Premier League visits to Old Trafford.Man Utd have won six and lost one of their last eight matches against Arsenal in all competitions.Arsenal have won only four of the last 18 Premier League meetings with Man Utd.Wayne Rooney has scored in three of his last five appearances against Arsenal and missed a penalty.United have won 21 and lost none of their last 22 Premier League matches at Old Trafford.Arsenal have won just one of their last eight Premier League away matches, versus relegated Blackpool.This is the 214th meeting between the sides. Manchester United have won 88 times, Arsenal 79 and there have been 46 draws.Manchester United had won their last seven matches against Arsenal before they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates in May.This will be the 46th time Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have faced each other. Ferguson has won 20 times to Wenger's 16, with 9 draws.