Preview: Manchester United - Arsenal

Final Destination Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal meet for the first time in European competition on Wednesday night with a place in the Champions League final up for grabs. Having led the Red Devils to glory in Europe twice already, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to secure a hat-trick of titles and with it the chance to become the first side to retain the Champions League, since it changed format in 1992. The English champions vanquished FC Porto in the quarter-finals courtesy of a stunning goal by Cristiano Ronaldo in the second leg, meaning only Arsene Wenger’s team now stand between Ferguson and a second consecutive European final.

Despite looking below their best in recent weeks, the holders certainly warmed up for the game in impressive style against Arsenal’s north London neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur. Finding themselves 2-0 down at the break the Red Devils roared back to win 5-2, a result that sends them back to the top of the league table. That result, and the second-half display, will be a huge boost to Sir Alex’s men as will their recent record in this competition. United are unbeaten in Champions League action this season and indeed have gone 23 games without defeat in Europe, a record that stretches back to May 2007. Although they have lost to Arsenal this season, 2-1 at the Emirates back in November, their home record remains formidable and they will be hoping to take a good result down to London for the second leg. Gunning For Glory With a second European final in four seasons in sight, Arsene Wenger has this week admitted that a Champions League win is the only thing missing from his impressive CV. After an inconsistent season, plagued by injuries, the Gunners find themselves hitting top form at the best possible time and hoping to end the season with Europe’s top prize. The return from injury of several key players has seen Arsenal back to their flowing best and they are now unbeaten in 19 games and bursting with confidence. Wenger has this week revealed that his players have the belief to go to Old Trafford and win and has also claimed the Gunners will not compromise their style and plan to attack the English champions. Certainly goals have not been a problem for the north Londoners in recent weeks and having bagged four at Anfield last week, in an eight-goal thriller with Liverpool, the Gunners should certainly trouble the United defence. Whilst the form book suggests Arsenal may just be playing the better football at the moment, they will have to cope without top scorer Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin, a fact Ferguson will no doubt have noted with relish. TEAM NEWS Manchester United Gary Neville and John O’Shea are both out with injury so Rafael Da Silva is expected to start at right-back for the holders. Ryan Giggs should return to midfield and, if so, will make his 800th appearance for the club. Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Rooney. Arsenal Injury rules both Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy out of the game so Nicklas Bendtner and Kieran Gibbs should continue to deputise. Mikael Silvestre is also a doubt with a back problem and if he misses out Johan Djourou should feature. Emmanuel Adebayor could return after appearing as a substitute at the weekend but Andrey Arshavin is ineligible. Possible Starting XI: Almunia, Gibbs, Toure, Silvestre, Sagna, Song, Fabregas, Walcott, Nasri, Bendtner, Adebayor. PREDICTION This promises to be an attractive encounter and with both sides in the goals in recent weeks, and both looking far from secure defensively, it has the potential to be a real thriller United will be desperate to take a lead back to the Emirates and whilst they may just do that, it would be no surprise if Arsenal managed to steal an away goal to ensure there is still everything to play for in a week’s time. Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal