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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