With one point between these sides at the top, and Patrice Evra turning up the heat on a rivalry that always threatens to boil over, this should be a feisty affair. Arsenal will probably make the trip to Old Trafford without their captain, Cesc Fábregas, after Arsène Wenger said the Spaniard has only a "small chance" of facing United. They could also have a problem at left-back with Kieran Gibbs out until the new year and Gaël Clichy a doubt. The hosts have slight concerns in defence over Rio Ferdinand and in midfield regarding Paul Scholes. Rich Flower

Venue Old Trafford, Monday 8pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Manchester Utd 2 Arsenal 1

Referee Howard Webb

This season's matches 13 Y43, R1, 3.38 cards per game

Odds Manchester Utd 10-11 Arsenal 3-1 Draw 5-2

Manchester Utd

Subs from Amos, Kuszczak, Brown, Giggs, O'Shea, Anderson, Obertan, Smalling, Fábio, Macheda, Bébé, Neville, J Evans, Hernández, Gibson

Doubtful Ferdinand (hamstring), Scholes (groin)

Injured Owen (hamstring, 26 Dec), Hargreaves (hamstring, 12 Jan), Valencia (broken ankle, Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide WWDDWW

Disciplinary record Y24 R0

Leading scorer Berbatov 11

Arsenal

Subs from Szczesny, Eboué, Djourou, Vela, Eastmond, Walcott, Fábregas, Rosicky, Denílson, Bendtner

Doubtful Clichy (illness), Djourou (thigh), Fábregas (hamstring)

Injured Almunia (elbow, 18 Dec), Gibbs (ankle, 1 Jan), Diaby (ankle, 18 Dec), Frimpong (knee, May), Vermaelen (achilles, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide WWLWWL

Disciplinary record Y30 R4

Leading scorer Nasri 8

Match pointers

• United have won nine of their past 10 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and conceding just five times

• Arsenal have had at least five players booked in each of their past three league visits to Old Trafford

• 10 of Dimitar Berbatov's 11 top flight goals this season have been scored with Wayne Rooney on the pitch

• The last time Arsenal lost a Premier League game with Howard Webb as the referee was at Old Trafford in April 2008 – they have won six of nine matches officiated by him since then