Ferdinand - Form no surprise

Rio Ferdinand is not surprised by the turnaround in Manchester United's fortunes this season.
United have displayed some indifferent form this season and looked far from a title-winning team earlier in the campaign as they lagged behind the leaders.
But over the last month they have grabbed a valuable draw against Aston Villa from the brink of defeat, and also drew against rivals Manchester City.
Three consecutive wins - including the 7-1 battering of Blackburn - and the 1-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night; have now put them top the league with a game in hand.
Their rapid rise to league leaders has dumbfounded some of their fans, but Ferdinand insists he never lost hope.
"I do believe it," said the England captain.
"When I look around the changing room I see a fantastic bunch of players. I never doubt them or what they are capable of.
"If we concentrate and are focused on doing things we are asked, we are difficult to play against."
United have displayed a dogmatic streak this term, most notably against Villa, when they came from two goals down.
Defensively they seem have improved over recent weeks too, which was highlighted by the fact they reduced Arsenal to just one clear-cut chance at Old Trafford on Monday night.
"I have always maintained it is not just about defending as a back four and a goalkeeper," added Ferdinand.
"We score together and we concede together. If we are defending right from the front we are a hard team to play against.
"The game plan was getting in their faces and put pressure on them. We couldn't afford to give a team like Arsenal time.
"If you do that they will hurt you because they have quality players all over the park. I am glad to say we didn't."
United are now unbeaten in 16 games this term and boast an unblemished league record so far.
There has been talk of them replicating Arsenal's "Invincibles" but Ferdinand is refusing to think of such records.
"It is not about trying to go through the season unbeaten," said the England skipper.
"It is about where you finish at the end of the year. This was a very big result for us.
"It is not a defining result but it is the kind of result you are looking for against one of the teams who are also at the top of the table.
"Last year we probably didn't do as well against the big teams as we should have. This was a good way to start."
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Same old, same old

Sir Alex Ferguson would hardly have welcomed Patrice Evra's decision to cast himself as agent provocateur prior to last night's t?te-?-t?te with Arsenal but having out thought his old sparring partner Arsene Wenger so comprehensively he might just afford himself a chuckle on a morning in which he awoke to find his side top of the table with a game in hand.
United's left-back has a history of dropping verbal bombs, he offered to replay France's World Cup play-off with Republic of Ireland after Thierry Henry's infamous handball on his PlayStation, and it would seem his assertion that Arsenal are little more than a 'training centre' rankled both Wenger and his players more than they'd care to concede.
While publically no Emirates regular would back the words of one of the old enemy the Frenchman is hardly a solitary voice in proffering his view Arsenal are in danger of becoming a luxury Crewe, with Wenger's mantra of principles over pots not dissimilar to Dario Gradi's at Gresty Road.
Travelling to Old Trafford in the knowledge they had won there only twice in their past 11 visits an inferiority complex would have been understandable, with each robust early challenge forcing sub-editors across the country to seriously ponder for the first time in years whether a 'Men versus Boys' headline could justifiably be regurgitated yet again.
It would be an exaggeration to suggest Arsenal's tackling in the opening 20 minutes was spiteful but there was an edge to it that had Howard Webb been in a more pernickety mood might have seen his notebook filled sooner. Arsenal have now earned 21 yellow cards in their last four Premier League visits to Old Trafford so if nothing else their 'southern softies' moniker is looking tired.
In the end though, with the embers of Arsenal's early fire soon extinguished on a cold night in Manchester, it was a case of same-old, same-old. Wenger claimed at full-time somewhat pompously 'on both sides you have seen technical mistakes because the pitch is not good enough to play good football', which came across more as a further indictment of his side's inability to change tack as circumstances dictate than a valid excuse for defeat.
Despite the Old Trafford groundsmen's inability to provide silk grass the surface was hardly unplayable.
Wenger is quick to criticise those sides that play 'anti-football' and patronise practitioners of a direct style but while their fans enjoyed chanting 'hoof' every time Edwin van der Sar went from back to front to find Wayne Rooney from his hands, Arsenal are in danger of becoming similarly one dimensional. Wenger's style of football is as aesthetically pleasing as Sam Allardyce's is ugly, but in terms of delivering silverware it's proved no more successful in the past few years.
Arsenal's technicians are too cute for middling outfits that content themselves to sit, soak and rely on the counter-attack to offer a threat of their own but against the top sides that have players of a similar calibre, Wenger's reluctance to make changes either tactically or stylistically is frequently exposed as being foolhardy.
United have been accused of being overly negative for employing Michael Carrick as a shield in front of the back four but while on an individual level he was at times guilty of profligacy in possession, his discipline allowed the improving Anderson and Darren Fletcher licence to play yard dogs in snapping into their opponents further up the field.
Anderson has only ever hinted at his potential since joining United from Porto - it's often forgotten he is in fact Ferguson's fifth most expensive signing ever - but in the past month he has started to play with a consistency that has previously eluded him. It was the Brazilian, 22, that caught the eye over Arsenal's own wonderkids Jack Wilshere and Samir Nasri, with his ability to pickpocket opponent's passes a frequent frustration for the away side. If he can add a shot to match his engine to drive forward and cover ground remarkably quickly, United might just have a complete midfielder on their hands.
Ferguson has made no secret of his admiration for Arsenal's midfield and his strength, others deem it as a negative, is that he's not too proud to change his own side's make-up accordingly.
This current United team is not the buccaneering one of yesteryear and as such while some fans reared on a tradition of 'attack, attack, attack!', struggle to comprehend Ferguson's insistence of employing a solitary front man for the 'big' games, Berbatov must have thought he'd been caught drowning a bag of black cats after being dropped after a five-goal salvo, the proof invariably is in the pudding and three points suggest the Scot got his tactics spot on.
Arsenal dominated possession in spells but quickly ran out of ideas to break down United's staunchly disciplined game plan. Happy to allow Arsenal to dictate in areas of the field where they couldn't be hurt, United's collective ability not to be lured out of position meant Arsenal flirted with the idea of getting in all night but ultimately left Manchester without so much as a snog on the doorstep.
Much has been made of United's mediocrity this season despite remaining unbeaten in the league and, other than the demolition of Blackburn, it's not an unjust criticism. That they sit at the summit is primarily due to a settled backline rather than expansive attack. It's also a pretty ominous sign for their rivals as they look to click into gear over the festive period.
Rio Ferdinand's immaculate return following a serious injury has laid to bed claims he was finished as a top class centre-half and again on Monday, other than for a rash challenge on Bacary Sagna that should have brought him a booking, he barely put a foot wrong all evening.
A Rolls Royce of a defender to Nemanja Vidic's Monster Truck the pair are an almost perfect partnership of poise and power, with Ferdinand's last foul prior to last night's game coming on April 11 2010 against Blackburn, a remarkable 246 days ago. Compare their compatibility to that of Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny, along with a criminal lack of a reliable goalkeeper, and it's not to hard to comprehend why Arsenal are seen as having fast feet but a glass chin.
An ill-tempered Wenger turned on the press after the game and snapped when asked to pinpoint Arsenal's frailties in repeatedly coming up short in the big games.
"Why do we always seem to lose these big games? If you are a football specialist I leave this analysis to you. Why do you ask me, because you know everything?"
Given Arsenal are still very much in the title hunt and a defeat at Old Trafford is hardly the catalyst for a roots and branch investigation into where it's all gone wrong, Wenger is right in his assessment now is not the time for panic. His ire at the press though cannot mask a shortcoming in his side's DNA that he is too intelligent not to realise ultimately stops at his door.
His side have now drawn one and lost 10 of their last 11 fixtures against the Premier League's big two. If Wenger can't figure out a way to improve on this statistic Arsenal will forever remain the prettiest bridesmaid who never quite makes it down the aisle herself.
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Tevez back in training

Carlos Tevez has returned to training at Manchester City, with speculation regarding his future intensifying.
The Argentine is back at the club's Carrington base following a four-day break in Tenerife.
He is due to undergo a light session on Tuesday afternoon as he eases his way back into the fold.
Tevez was forced to sit out Saturday's victory over former club West Ham through suspension and was given permission to take a mid-season break.
However, shortly after the win over the Hammers, news broke that the City skipper had handed in a transfer request and he was keen to quit Eastlands in January.
The club quickly knocked back any suggestion that he would be allowed to leave in the New Year, but that has done little to prevent rumours spreading like wild fire.
Tevez is not expected to play any part in City's Europa League clash with Juventus on Thursday as the issue rumbles on, but that decision is believed to have been taken ahead of the weekend as the fixture in Turin is a dead rubber.
Italy is one of the places, though, that the South American striker is being heavily linked with.
Serie A giants Inter Milan were tipped to be one of those likely to express an interest once the transfer window reopens, with Rafa Benitez needing to get a faltering campaign back on track.
The Spanish coach has been quick to play down such talk, though, and insists his sole focus at present is on guiding Inter to glory at the Club World Cup.
"We are not going to talk about other players before a game like this," he said ahead of a meeting with South Korean side Seongnam on Wednesday.
"I am happy with my own. For us the most important game is the first and the best team will go out on the pitch to win this match."
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Wenger maintains title hope

Arsene Wenger is adamant that Arsenal did not fail to deliver on the big occasion in the wake of his side's Premier League defeat to Manchester United.
Ji-Sung Park's 41st minute header decided Monday night's match at Old Trafford as the hosts overtook their visitors to move two points clear at the top of the table.
The loss has resulted in renewed accusations that Arsenal's young team show naivety and inexperience when it matters most.
But Wenger, whose side have already lost to Chelsea among their five league defeats this season, does not think the Gunners should be criticised for a disappointing display against United and he has instead criticised the Old Trafford pitch.
The Frenchman told Sky Sports, when asked if Arsenal could have taken something from the game: "I believe yes, because we gave everything.
"The game was very intense, both teams were well-organised, the intensity of the game was very high and on a very bad pitch.
"Overall, the technical quality of the game suffered from a very bad pitch and that was why on both sides you've seen unusual technical mistakes."
Wenger added: "I don't think we failed to deliver; we lost a game and that can happen here."
Asked if he was confident that his current squad could still go on to win the title, he said: "Of course, we have to take a lot of encouragement from tonight's game."
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Fergie lauds 'fantastic' four

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the performance of his back four following Manchester United's 1-0 win over Arsenal and says they could be the key to his side's Premier League title bid.
United managed to hold onto their lead at Old Trafford after Ji-Sung Park opened the scoring just before the break, with the three-point haul sending them top of the table with a game in hand, as well as stretching their unbeaten record this season.
And manager Ferguson feels his defensive line-up, consisting of Rafael da Silva, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, were largely responsible for the triumph.
"We defended very well, the back four were fantastic tonight, absolutely magnificent," Ferguson told Sky Sports HD1.
"So with that foundation it always gives us a great chance."
He added: "I think we're starting to get there. I think our form is improving. And, as I say, with the back four playing like that, if they play like that from now on and give us the consistency, then we're in with a good chance."
Wayne Rooney missed a chance to double United's lead when he fired a shocking penalty attempt into the stands in the second half.
And Ferguson admits he was surprised by the effort, adding: "It was an unusual penalty and normally Wayne will always keep it down. I've never known him to hit one over the bar. It gave Arsenal a bit of impetus."
The manager was full of praise for Park, whose strike against the Gunners marked his sixth in all competitions this season.
"His goalscoring record against Arsenal is very good," he said. "He's been in fantastic form, the lad."
Ferguson was pleased to see his side rise to the occasion and acknowledged the importance of getting a positive result against fellow title contenders.
"We had to play well. I think in these major games you want to perform and I think we did perform tonight, particularly in the first half," he said.
"The second half Arsenal came into it a bit. They didn't make any real chances in the game but they pegged us back a little.
"We should have done better on the counter-attack, which we had some good chances in."
The manager is already looking ahead to Sunday's clash against reigning champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and is aware of the significance of that encounter.
"We've got a difficult game against Chelsea next Sunday," he added. "That's going to be a very important game now."
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Fergie upset to lose Park

Sir Alex Ferguson admits it is disappointing that Manchester United will lose Park Ji-sung for several weeks after Christmas.
Park again proved his worth to United in big matches by scoring the only goal in Monday's home win over title rivals Arsenal.
The improvised header was Park's sixth goal of the season and it is the South Korean's best return since joining United from PSV Eindhoven in 2005.
However, the midfielder is due to represent Korea in the Asian Cup in Qatar in January and the Boxing Day game with Sunderland will be his last before linking up with his country.
"Ji is in fantastic form," said Ferguson. "Unfortunately we are going to lose him for seven matches after December 26. It is disappointing."
The 29-year-old's goal lifted United back to the top of the table and Park has urged his team-mates to maintain their current form.
Park said: "At the moment, we are in a great position in the league. Now we have to concentrate on the games coming up.
"We always start to play well at this time of year and want to keep this going.
"We played with great confidence against Arsenal and our defence was unbelievable."
Barclays Prem Winner 10/11 Win Outright: Man Utd 6/4
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Fergie - Chelsea a big game

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's showdown with Chelsea will 'go a long way' to establishing the Premier League pecking order.
United returned to the top of the table on Monday night after Park Ji-sung's first-half header secured a 1-0 win over previous leaders Arsenal.
The result ensured the Red Devils remain unbeaten in the league this season and they also have a game in hand on their title rivals.
Ferguson next takes his team to reigning champions Chelsea on Sunday and the United boss is aware of the importance of the Stamford Bridge clash.
"It's a massive game now," said Ferguson. "That will go a long way to establishing the top of the league.
"It's a big, big game for United."
The scoreline was the first time United had won 1-0 in the league this season and Ferguson believes such narrow victories will become key in the title race.
United won 10 games by that scoreline en route to winning the league in 2009 and Ferguson hailed the performance of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic against Arsenal.
He added: "[Ferdinand and Vidic] were tremendous. That gives you a great foundation, and 1-0 victories can win you the league.
"If my back four keep that foundation of not conceding any goals it gives us a really good chance."
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Rio happy with haul

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists the result was the most important thing following their 1-0 home win over Arsenal.
Ji-sung Park's first-half header was enough to send United two points clear at the top of the Premier League on Monday night.
And despite the less than emphatic scoreline, Ferdinand was happy to land a three-point haul against their fellow title contenders.
Ferdinand told Sky Sports HD1: "In these games sometimes you don't play well but you've got to go out and play as well as you can. We got the three points and that's the main thing.
"Three points is three points."
He added: "Arsenal test you in different ways, they are a very talented side with great players. But I thought today we contained them very well and we had the best chances."
Wayne Rooney wasted a golden chance to ease home nerves when he ballooned a penalty over the crossbar 17 minutes from time.
"We missed a penalty, unfortunately," added Ferdinand. "Nani had a great chance in a one-on-one so I'd say we probably shaded it."
Left-back Patrice Evra added: "We just play our football. I think we're powerful and we showed that tonight, I'm very pleased.
"Everybody is very focused and working hard, and that's why we got the result we deserved."
Chelsea Evens, Draw 12/5, Man. Utd 11/4
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United stake title claim

Man of the Match: In a game that was badly lacking in star performances, Nani just edges it after his pace caused persistent problems for Arsenal.
Save of the Match: Premier League debutant Wojciech Szczesny may have been in the Arsenal goal, but he brought back memories of Peter Schmeichel at Old Trafford as he spread himself to deny Anderson in the second half.
Miss of the Match: After a ludicrously bendy run-up, Wayne Rooney blazed his penalty high and wide of the target. It was a shocker.
Talking Point: Does the defeat epitomise Arsenal's weaknesses when it matters this season? Can United grind out results all the way to the title?
Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United took the initiative in the Premier League title race after a tight 1-0 win over arch-rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Ji-Sung Park's brilliantly deft and improvised header in the 41st minute gave United the three points that allowed Ferguson's men to leapfrog Arsene Wenger's team at the top of the table by two points.
But the match epitomised what has been a fiercely competitive and entertaining title race, with a lack of overall quality in the areas that matter most.
And Wayne Rooney's hopelessly wayward second-half penalty, after Gael Clichy was adjudged to have handled inside the 18-yard area, provided a snapshot of the 90 minutes.
For Arsenal, the sorry statistic of a fifth reverse concealed a desperately disappointing performance which did not get that much better even after Wenger had thrown his star man Cesc Fabregas on in a last desperate bid to secure a share of the spoils.
Ferguson made the point in his programme notes that Arsenal are not the "lilywhites" they are often painted and so it proved during a tight first half in which the Gunners were well prepared to dish out some rough treatment.
On a ground where they have often been ill-treated in the past, the visitors were more than willing to stand toe-to-toe with their opponents, the only surprise being that World Cup final referee Howard Webb did not book Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin until the last seconds of the opening period.
By that point, the hosts were basking in Park's opener.
Set free by Rooney's neat nod-down, Nani crossed from the right and not even a deflection off Clichy could prevent the ball bouncing to Park, who contorted his body in such a way as to loop a header over Wojciech Szczesny and into the net.
For Szczesny it was a bitter blow. Handed his league debut after just three League Cup starts for the Gunners, the Pole had done well, a couple of nervy kicks apart, in what has so often been a problem position for Wenger.
Sebastien Squillaci was responsible for the weak clearance that allowed Nani to send a first-time volley whistling past the Pole's right-hand post, while it was the hand of Chamakh that could easily have brought a penalty for United when he rather awkwardly got in the way of Nani's cross.
Arsenal were a disappointment. The in-form Samir Nasri was a virtual bystander. Arshavin got onto the ball far more often, but his final ball was a major let-down.
Twice the hosts came close to doubling their advantage during the opening minutes of the second period.
As part of his impressive evening, Szczesny produced a save reminiscent of Peter Schmeichel in his pomp to deny Anderson, who had burst onto a pass Rooney threaded through the Gunners defence.
Then Nani fired over at the end of a fast counter, started by Anderson robbing Jack Wilshere near the United box and he felt he should have ended it as he screamed in vain for a far-post cross after finding himself completely unmarked.
In between, Nasri had brought a full-length save out of Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic had blocked as Chamakh tried to turn home the rebound.
Nasri was far more productive, although it was the double introduction of Fabregas and Robin van Persie that really showed how determined Arsenal were not to leave defeated.
The bold move did leave them vulnerable to the counter-attack and it was on one such raid that Nani earned his side a penalty as he checked inside Clichy and caused the Frenchman to handle.
Without a goal in open play since March, Rooney has scored from the spot twice this season. It was also the fifth United penalty in Arsenal's last eight visits to Old Trafford.
But there was no goal on this occasion as Rooney ballooned his effort way over the bar with what was a shocking miss.
It did not sap the striker's confidence and a superb chip brought an excellent save out of Szczesny after latching onto Rio Ferdinand's pass.
Theo Walcott wasted the Gunners' last chance and that condemned them to defeat.
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Rio - Rooney ready to fire

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney is close to rediscovering his prolific goalscoring form of last season.
Rooney netted 34 times for United last term, but has contributed only two goals from the penalty spot during a difficult current campaign.
The England striker has struggled with injury and off-field issues, but Ferdinand feels Rooney is starting to display his old sharpness.
The 25-year-old is likely to lead the line alongside Dimitar Berbatov against Arsenal on Monday and Ferdinand is happy to have Rooney back in the fold.
"Everyone knows what happened over the last couple of weeks beforehand but Wayne's come back and he's looking sharp," said Ferdinand.
"He didn't score in our last game but he looked sharp and set up a good number of chances for other people.
"It's only a matter of time before he scores and then goes on one of those runs where he scores loads of goals.
"Just having him back around the place in a good mood is fantastic. He's a great lad to have around and long may it continue.
"Arsenal are a good team but I'm concentrating more on what we've got in our dressing room. I'm confident in our team and the individuals as a collective that we can go out there and beat any team and I'll be looking to do that on Monday."
United face Arsenal at Old Trafford before travelling to champions Chelsea on Sunday and Ferdinand acknowledged the importance of the double-header.
He added: "Arsenal and Chelsea are very big games for us. We're playing two of the teams at the top of the league back-to-back. They'll be hard games but games we all enjoy playing in.
"They'll be big spectacles with everybody watching and we'll be going out there to win. Fingers crossed we can do that and if we can it will put us in a great position for the rest of the season."
Man. Utd v Arsenal To Score a Brace: Rooney, W. 5/1
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Lampard to face United

Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to be fit for Chelsea's next game against Manchester United on Sunday.
Lampard returned from over three months on the sidelines by appearing as a substitute for the final 15 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
The midfielder was initially ruled out after undergoing hernia surgery and his comeback was subsequently delayed by a groin problem.
His presence has been missed, particularly in recent weeks when Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
However, Blues boss Ancelotti is confident the England international will be back in the starting line-up for the clash with title rivals United at Stamford Bridge.
"We have a friendly game at the training ground for him on Thursday and he will be able to start the next game," said Ancelotti.
"He said he wanted to be more involved in the squad, to start from the bench and this is good for us.
"It is very important because he is an important player and he is able to manage this moment with experience and personality."
Chelsea Evens, Draw 12/5, Man. Utd 11/4
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Man Utd v Arsenal preview

Relations may have thawed between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in recent years, but there is always a whiff of hostility in the air when Manchester United meet old rivals Arsenal.
Battles between United and Arsenal are arguably the most eagerly anticipated of the season and Old Trafford has regularly been the scene for some infamous conflicts between the two clubs.
Last season saw Arsene Wenger farcically stand among the supporters after being sent from the dug-out, while the games in 2003 and 2004 both provided controversy.
Wenger described United's performance in the Red Devils' 2-1 win in the corresponding fixture last term as 'anti-football' while Darren Fletcher's 'dirty' style also came in for criticism.
However, while the Gunners were unfortunate to lose at Old Trafford, there was no arguing with the quality of United's ruthless performance in winning 3-1 at Emirates Stadium back in January when the teams last met.
That match perhaps marked the start of Nani's emergence as one of United's most influential performers and he will again be looking to terrorise Arsenal's full-backs.
Arsenal head north boasting the joint best away record in the Premier League and in possession of top spot after replacing United at the summit last weekend when the Red Devils' trip to Blackpool was postponed.
United, however, have the most formidable home record in the division this season and are now the only team still unbeaten in the league in England.
The Red Devils will be playing at home in the league for the first time since last month's 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers and Ferguson has the option of sticking with the same XI from that hammering.
The only changes could come in central midfield, with Fletcher a likely replacement for Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes fit again after a minor injury.
However, Anderson has impressed in recent matches and may keep his place at Scholes' expense while Patrice Evra is fit to start at left-back.
Wayne Rooney scored in both meetings against Arsenal last season and will be hoping to rediscover that past form after netting just twice from the penalty spot this term.
Gunners boss Wenger could spring a surprise in goal amid reports Wojciech Szczesny will make his Premier League debut at Old Trafford.
Szczesny's fellow Pole - Lukasz Fabianski - is struggling with a leg injury and the 20-year-old is tipped to get the nod ahead of former No.1 Manuel Almunia.
Wenger will also make a late decision on whether to play captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury and he may be on the bench.
Kieran Gibbs is out with an ankle injury, but Gael Clichy is fit to return at left-back while Sebastien Squillaci will partner Laurent Koscielny in the continued absence of Thomas Vermaelen.
Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are likely to come back into midfield, with Denilson and Robin van Persie making way, while United have pinpointed the 12-goal Samir Nasri as Arsenal's biggest threat.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Park, Rooney, Berbatov.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Rosicky, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh.
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Fletch wants to keep run going

Darren Fletcher insists Manchester United are eager to keep their unbeaten run going, but they would gladly sacrifice the run if it meant winning the title.
The Red Devils are the only team yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season after 15 games, although they face a stern test on Monday night against leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners were incidentally the last side to go through an entire top-flight campaign undefeated, a feat for which their 2003/04 charges were labelled the 'Invincibles'.
Fletcher knows it is a difficult accomplishment staying unbeaten over the course of the season and that Sir Alex Ferguson's troops are taking it one game at a time.
However, United's primary aim is wrestling the title back from Chelsea and Fletcher would be happy losing a few games on the proviso that it meant they ended the campaign as champions.
"It would be very difficult to go through the season unbeaten, but the challenge is there for us just now," Fletcher said. "We don't want to lose and we are going to try to keep it that way.
"I think it's always a challenge for us because we don't want to lose any game. The Premier League is competitive and there have been times when we should have lost this year.
"The longer the run goes on, the more people will talk about it, but not losing or drawing can sometimes be detrimental to your season. We want to win those games.
"We don't want to go through this season and not win the league. So I'd rather lose a couple of games and win the league.
"It's an interesting challenge to go unbeaten, but the important thing is to be top of the league and kicking on and showing the resilience you need. You can sometimes be better winning one and losing one than drawing two."
Man. Utd 10/11, Draw 12/5, Arsenal 3/1
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Fergie focuses on key fixtures

Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson believes this month's games with Arsenal and Chelsea will be pivotal in the title race.
Ferguson's side travel to Blackpool this weekend aiming to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the table after seeing reigning champions Chelsea suffer a dip in form.
The Gunners visit Old Trafford on 13th December, with the trip to Stamford Bridge following six days later.
And with Arsenal meeting Chelsea later in Decemeber, Ferguson accepts it is going to be a crucial period in the race for the championship.
"You always want to win those games because they are really significant," Ferguson told Inside United.
"We have managed to claw ourselves into a position where we are two points ahead of Chelsea, so the game at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal's trip to Manchester will certainly be very important, there's no doubt about that.
"We saw that last season - some big decisions didn't go our way in the two matches against Chelsea and they ended up costing us important points."
Ferguson admits he will have to keep his squad fresh during the busy festive period as he looks to go into the new year on top of the pile.
"You are aware that you have to use your squad well because there are so many games, particularly during that week between Christmas and New Year," Ferguson added.
"Three matches in six days is a lot. It is a hectic period but we have the players to cope.
"Hopefully we're in the right position come the start of January."
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Pool hopeful over United clash

Blackpool are optimistic Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Bloomfield Road will go ahead, despite the freezing conditions.
The promoted Seasiders, who do not have under-soil heating, currently have their pitch covered over and are using hot-air blowers to combat the cold weather.
The temperature is expected to drop to minus five degrees centigrade on Thursday night, but manager Ian Holloway insists Pool are doing everything they can to counter its impact.
"We are going to try to do everything we can," said Holloway.
"We have got something out there that looks like something from a fairground. I waited near it for 10 minutes to get a hot dog!
"It's the generator trying to blow hot air on it.
"We hope the game will be on, we want it to be. It would be very embarrassing if we can't get it on.
"We have tried. I expect the chairman is probably saying 'How much?' but I can't ask for anything more."
Blackpool have been forced to abandon their usual training ground due to the cold snap, but Holloway this week spurned the chance to take the squad abroad to a warm-weather camp.
He said: "I actually had a choice of spending three or four days abroad and letting them train on some decent surfaces.
"The chairman agreed to do it and the club secretary had it all set up.
"I didn't think it would be the right preparation but it just shows how far we have come.
"We have stayed in the cold and trained on an artificial pitch."
Holloway has dismissed recent reports in the press that he was planning to train on the beach, although has not ruled the idea out completely.
The manager added: "We know it is an option if the grass it totally frozen.
"It is what they used to do years ago and it did them no harm whatsoever.
"Sir Stanley Matthews used to go down there every morning before training and do his own fitness routine.
"What a magnificent example of a human being that man was, so what is wrong with our lads going on the beach?"
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Phelan calls for character

Mike Phelan has urged Manchester United's youngsters to show they have the stomach for the fight following the Carling Cup defeat to West Ham.
Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes for Tuesday's quarter-final clash at Upton Park but the players that took to the field could not take the opportunity to shine.
The Hammers, bottom of the Premier League table after a dismal start to the season, strolled to a shock 4-0 victory as Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole both scored twice.
Phelan admits the performance was poor and that individual mistakes cost the Red Devils a place in the semi-finals and their grip on the trophy.
However, the assistant manager is now looking forward to finding out how those players bounce back in training to see if they show the right character.
"Some of the defending was na?ve," Phelan admitted.
"There are lessons to be learned from the defending point of view with individual players and hopefully they will take something from that.
"You can learn from defeats and we need them to learn quickly. They are quality players but they are young and they are going to make mistakes.
"It's how they deal with those mistakes and how they react. So we'll be looking in the next few days to see what character they've got and whether they can step up to the plate next time."
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Drogba - Injuries no excuse

Didier Drogba insists Chelsea can not use the absence of key players as a reason for the 'worst run of form' he has experienced at the club.
Chelsea lost top spot in the Premier League over the weekend and have won just once in their last five top-flight matches.
The reigning champions have been missing Frank Lampard, John Terry and Michael Essien in recent fixtures, but Drogba is adamant that is no excuse for the Blues' form.
Drogba feels it is the most disappointing spell of form since he moved to Stamford Bridge in 2004 and believes the upcoming month, when Chelsea face Manchester United and Arsenal, could be decisive.
"It is maybe the worst run of form I've known since I came to the club," said Drogba. "It is not good.
"It is very frustrating - very frustrating. I know that during the season you can have moments like this and try your best to change it."
He added: "We are playing those teams around us in the next few weeks so this is a challenge that we have to do everything to win.
"We are glad to get November out of the way - now let's see what December brings.
"We can't use the players who are out as an excuse, even if they are key players.
"When you sign for Chelsea, you know you have to give your best. You know you've signed for the best team so you have to improve your game, especially when players like Terry, Lampard and Essien are not there.
"This is the moment when you have to show you are able to take responsibility because you know it won't be easy.
"It's only going to happen from us. We can't expect people to come and say 'OK, we'll change it for you'.
"We have to change it as players, with the manager, all of us together. We have to stay together as a team.
"You might say this is the basic formula from players but we have to stay together and do everything to change this."
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Buffon rubbishes exit rumours

Gianluigi Buffon has played down renewed speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
The Juventus goalkeeper continues to see his future called into question despite regular shows of commitment to his current employers.
The World Cup winner maintains that he has not altered his stance over recent weeks and has every intention of remaining in Turin.
His denials have done little to curb rumours suggesting he is a target of United, among others, with an imminent switch regularly touted.
For now, though, Buffon insists such speculation is nothing more than transfer gossip, with his attention focused solely on Juve's Serie A title tilt.
"I have no intention of leaving Juventus," the 32-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I feel good here and I have no contract problems. My wish is to respect my contract and see it through until 2013. Then we will see if there is the option to renew.
"Manchester United? They are a great team I have faced a few times and have a few bitter memories of, nothing else."
Buffon is currently sidelined with a long-running back problem which flared up again at the 2010 World Cup.
He is, however, closing on a return to full fitness and hopes to be back in the first-team fold in the New Year.
"Before Christmas I hope to be back training with the group," he said.
"Then I will need about another month before playing again. Let's say about the end of January."
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Bassong hails credentials

Sebastien Bassong has echoed Harry Redknapp's sentiments and claimed Tottenham Hotspur can win the Premier League title.
The Spurs boss stated his team could go all the way this season after their last-gasp success over Liverpool on Sunday.
The victory means Tottenham are just six points behind league leaders Manchester United after 15 matches played.
Bassong emerged off the bench in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool after Younes Kaboul limped out of the game and the ex-Newcastle man thinks Spurs' squad has the strength in depth to cope with what lies ahead.
The Frenchman believes their never-say-die attitude means they have what it takes to be top come May, although he knows they will need to maintain their performances on a consistent basis.
"I believe we can win it - but I don't know if the players do," he told The Sun.
"We don't have to talk about our ability, we know what we can achieve.
"We have a wonderful squad with great players and if we carry on like this and keep on working hard, you never know what you can achieve.
"Can we win the title? Of course we can. Scoring the winner against Liverpool in the last minute is a good thing - it is what champions do.
"We need to keep doing it for the rest of the season."
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Amos ready for United fight

Ben Amos hopes he will be given every opportunity to stake a claim for the Manchester United No.1 jersey.
With veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar set to step aside at the end of the season, the Red Devils will have a vacancy between the sticks.
Competition for the role will be fierce, with Danish shot-stopper Anders Lindegaard set to join the ranks in December.
He will join Amos and Tomasz Kuszczak in the keeping department, with all three men eyeing a leading role from next season.
Academy graduate Amos is considered to be the outsider in the race for a starting berth, with the 20-year-old having made just two senior appearances to date.
The youngster is determined to play on a more regular basis, though, and admits he is ready to battle for a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
"Games in the first team don't come round too often when you are the No.3 keeper," said the Macclesfield-born youngster. "There is only one position and we train a lot.
"Every year I set a target because you have got to keep yourself motivated.
"You also have to be patient because a goalkeeper's career is different.
"Edwin is still playing now. You have to look at him as an example when the temptation is to look at players your own age, who are involved a lot more."
Amos is expected to be given a run-out in Tuesday's Carling Cup quarter-final with West Ham, giving him vital minutes in the first team.
He insists he is ready for every opportunity that comes his way, as he has taken plenty from working alongside Dutch ace Van der Sar every day.
"It is a little bit like training with your dad," laughed Amos.
"I don't think he will appreciate that but I am chewing at his ear all the time, trying to get bits of advice.
"He is very open and he says what he thinks, which is just what you need."
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