Few years ago, this would probably be considered a title-decider, but not this time, with both Arsenal and Manchester United struggling to return to old glory days.

The Gunners have been especially disappointing this season, although they did manage to recover from the dismal start to the league campaign.

In all fairness, Arsene Wenger has been forced to deal with numerous injuries to the playing squad, but that cannot be an excuse for the poor league position.

The Gunners are now four points adrift of the fourth-placed Chelsea and no less than 15 points behind leaders Manchester City, and they face a real struggle to ensure a top 4 finish.

Following back to back defeats to Fulham and Swansea, Arsenal enter the game low on confidence, so no wonder that Ladbrokes pay 3.00 (2/1) on home win.

Mikel Arteta has been ruled out with a calf strain, whereas both Thierry Henry and Thomas Vermaelen are struggling with the same problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Szczesny – Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Miquel – Rosicky, Song, Ramsey – Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin.

Despite all the problems Manchester United have experienced of late, they sit just three points off the top of the standings, with a good chance to further close that gap after this round.

The Red Devils recovered well from Champions League and Carling Cup exits to record four straight victories in the Premier League, but back to back defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle threatened to hurt their title bid.

United managed to return to the right track with FA Cup win over Manchester City and the easy triumph over Bolton, but next few weeks could determine the outcome of the season.

After the visit to the Emirates, United face bitter rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup, and that game will be followed by league clashes against Stoke, Chelsea and Liverpool.

This basically means that Fergie’s men need to beat Arsenal in order to stay in contention for the title, and they are 2.62 (13/8) with Ladbrokes to do so.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones return after missing the Bolton game through injury, but Anderson is out after suffering a training injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Lindegaard – Jones, Ferdinand, Smalling, Evra – Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Nani – Rooney – Welbeck.