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Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud (R) is set to return to the Arsenal squad for the game against Manchester United Reuters

Arsenal take on Manchester United in the 2014/15 Premier League season at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 5.30 pm GMT. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10:30pm GMT.

Overview

Arsenal welcome 20-time Premier League champions to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. A match that was usually a title decider is now termed as a battle between two teams struggling to hit top gear in the league this season.

Both the Premier League big guns are struggling with injury problems and will come into this match wanting to kick-start their season with a morale boosting win.

The north London club come into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss in south Wales against Swansea City, and will want to arrest their slump ahead of some crucial fixtures in the coming weeks.

Arsene Wenger will know that this is a must win game for his team despite struggling with injuries. The manager will be without several first-team players.

Apart from Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy, who are long-term absentees, the Gunners will be without Theo Walcott, who has picked up a groin injury on international duty and there are doubts regarding Danny Welbeck, who is struggling with a hamstring issue.

On a brighter note, the Frenchman has the services of compatriot Olivier Giroud, who has returned to action a full month ahead of schedule and skipper Mikel Arteta has also recovered from his hamstring injury.

Manchester United
Manchester United will hope Robin van Persie (C) can continue his goal scoring form against former club Arsenal on Saturday. Getty

Meanwhile, United also come into this game with a host of injury problems and will have a changed defence yet again following injuries to Marcos Rojo, Phis Jones and Jonny Evans. David de Gea has been the only constant at the back for the Red Devils.

Louis van Gaal's men managed to earn a hard fought victory against Crystal Palace before the international break and will want to continue that form and try and pick up their first away win of the season when they visit north London on Saturday.

There has been some encouraging news for the manager, with Angel di Maria, Michael Carrick and David de Gea being passed fit after they picked up injuries on international duty.

It is a crucial match for both the teams, as both need to win to keep in touch with the top four. Wenger needs his team to show that Arsenal can win against the big teams after their struggles in recent seasons.

All eyes will be on Wayne Rooney and Alexis Sanchez, who are the form players in either team. Robin van Persie has also made it a habit of scoring against his old side, having already scored five goals in six meetings.

Stat of the Match: The clubs have met 219 times in all competitions. Manchester United lead by 92 wins to Arsenal's 79 and there have been 48 draws.

What Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "We're strong at home. We've learned to be patient and to wait for our chances without losing our shape. That will be vital against Manchester United."

Louis van Gaal: "It's the first time I've sat on the bench against Arsenal as Manchester United coach. I've only played once against Arsenal with Barcelona. Wenger was on the bench and was already eight years [into the job] with Arsenal. I admire the way they play because it's attacking and you play for the fans. I think that's nice. About the rivalry, it's normal in sport."

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Arsenal to win: 19/17
  • Manchester United to win: 5/2
  • Draw: 28/11

Team News

Arsenal

Probable Lineup: Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Flamini, Ramsey; Cazorla, Wilshere, Sanchez; Welbeck.

Manchester United

Probable Lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blackett, Shaw; Fellaini, Herrera; Januzaj, Rooney, Mata, Van Persie.