Arsenal’s exubarent young side were under firm pressure in the Premier League’s mid-day kick-off against Manchester United, and it proved to be a superb result for Arsene Wenger and his men after stemming United’s attacking flow.

Gunners manager Wenger admitted dressing-room morale was low after their 4-4 draw with rivals Tottenham and the defeat at Stoke - but this win at the at the Emirates Stadium breathes life into their campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League.

Wenger had Emmanuel Adebayor injured and Robin van Persie suspended but it was Arsenal’s French wing maestro who proved to be the game-winner.

Arsenal Starting XI

Almunia
Sagna - Gallas - Silvestre - Clichy
Walcott - Fabregas - Denilson - Nasri
Diaby
Bendtner

Manchester United Starting XI

Van Der Sar
Neville - Ferdinand - Vidic - Evra
Ronaldo - Anderson - Carrick - Park
Rooney - Berbatov

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Fourth-placed Arsenal take on defending champions Manchester United, who are one place above the Gunners in the table with a game in hand, in the Premiership showdown at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

Arsene Wenger’s side head into the big clash on the back of poor results that saw the Gunners shocked at Stoke City last weekend following from the 4-4 draw to Tottenham. The Gunners were also held by Fenerbahce to a goalless draw in Champions League at home.

On the other hand, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are in form as they have not lost in last seven games. The Red Devils got the better of Hull City last weekend after an easy win over West Ham last midweek, but had to fight in the title defence of the Champions League when they could only manage a 1-1 draw at Celtic in the group game.

Wenger’s side have a number of injury problems with the likes of skipper William Gallas and winger Theo Walcott facing a late decision - the latter more than likely to be involved.

Bacary Sagna is in the squad, whether or not he starts is another matter. Former Red Devils defender Mikael Silvestre (broken nose) is also a worry, but Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue (both injured) and Robin Van Persie (suspension) are definitely out along with long-term absentees Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky.

United are without Wes Brown (ankle), long-term absentees Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves.

Predicted Arsenal Line-Up:

Almunia
Sagna - Toure - Djourou - Clichy
Walcott - Fabregas - Denilson - Nasri
Bendtner - Vela

Match Prediction: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester United

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