There’s no question that Arsenal are struggling to put together a decent sequence of results at present. No doubt the Gunners’ lengthy injury list is at least partly to blame and they are badly missing the calming influence of Thomas Vermaelen at the back as well as the invention of Jack Wilshere in midfield. But does Arsene Wenger still have the firepower at his disposal to launch a concerted bid on the top four?

Henry will have fond memories – but times have changed

On the evidence of last Sunday’s defeat at Swansea, that is open to debate. Despite taking an early lead, Arsenal were definitely second-best against the Welsh side who capitalised on indecision at the back and a Gunners’ midfield that, Aaron Ramsey apart, appeared to lack any real desire to close down their opponents. Wenger shouldn’t have to point out the fact to his Arsenal players that they will get taken apart by Manchester United if they are similarly lacklustre at the Emirates this week – that much is obvious. Confidence seems to be ebbing away from Arsenal week-by-week and, given the two teams’ relative recent form, it’s difficult to see them preventing the Red Devils completing the double over them this season.

United, of course, have already put eight goals past Arsenal at Old Trafford when Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick. But there hasn’t been a great deal between the two sides in north London in recent years and some memorable encounters. Thierry Henry will certainly be keen to roll back the years and hoping for a starting place after coming off the bench twice since the start of his loan spell from New York Red Bulls. The Frenchman has already faced United this term, lining up for an MLS All Star XI in a friendly last summer. The intensity will be much greater at the Emirates, of course. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have bounced back well from recent reverses against Blackburn and Newcastle. The returning Paul Scholes scored in last week’s routine win over Bolton Wanderers and has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side down the years. Manchester United can take all the three points at the Emirates and keep up the pressure on City at the top while putting the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title ambitions this season.

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