Arsenal vs. Manchester United: match preview

Kickoff: 9:05 AM EDT, Emirates Stadium
TV Coverage: Fox Soccer Channel
SBNation Manchester United Perspective: The Busby Babe

League leaders Manchester United pay a visit to the Emirates tomorrow for what, up until recently, was poised to be a massive gigantic six-point title decider.  Now, though, it is the last gasp for Arsenal, who must win tomorrow if they are to have even the smallest, teensiest chance of winning the league.  But that's probably unrealistic.

Still, it would be nice if Arsenal could win, something they haven't done in half a decade against Manchester United.

United will be looking to keep pace ahead of second-place Chelsea, who host Tottenham Hotspur today, while Arsenal will try to cement their grip on third place with Manchester City lurking just beneath in fourth.  United comfortably defeated Schalke 04 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in Germany midweek, and thus they will not have any qualms about putting out the strongest possible lineup against Arsenal tomorrow.  Sir Alex Ferguson has a tendency to play for the counterattack against Arsenal, though, and may look to Gunner-killer Park Ji Sung to provide drive and spark to the counter.  Wayne Rooney will almost certainly start as well.

Dimitar Berbatov has a groin strain, but may be available, while Darren Fletcher has a virus, which means that Ferguson probably won't try to sell him to Real Madrid.  Arsenal, meanwhile, are pretty clean on the injury front all of a sudden, the exception being Abou Diaby, out with a calf strain.  Thomas Vermaelen played well by all accounts in the reserves match against United, but he won't be available tomorrow.  Nonetheless, it's good news.

Got dangit, Arsenal, just win this thing.

Possible lineup: (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Fabregas; Walcott, van Persie, Nasri.  Wouldn't be surprised to see Arshavin start, somehow.