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Your support makes all the difference.Robin van Persie could return to haunt his former side when Arsenal make the trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The former Gunner has transferred much of his goal scoring prowess to the Red Devils this term with seven goals in nine league games and will be afforded protection from the baying Arsenal fans only by the confines of Old Trafford. Van Persie scored twice for Arsenal against United last season and the Dutchman will be looking to put salt into Arsenal fans’ wounds by scoring against his old side.
Replacements Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski have scored just three goals between them in a combined 18 league games, leaving winger Gervinho as the team's leading scorer with three.
Arsenal recorded a staggering comeback from 4-0 down to defeat Reading 7-5 in a pulsating League Cup clash at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday but showcased not only their ability to score rapidly, but their well-documented frailties from set pieces. United, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from a defeat at Stamford Bridge which saw their second-string throw away a victory that was seconds away from completion. Youngster Scott Wootton gave away an injury time penalty which Eden Hazard dispatched and United’s inexperienced side eventually lost 5-4 in extra time.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Arsenal 1 (van Persie) Manchester United 2 (Welbeck, Valencia), Premier League, January 2012
Manchester United 8 (Welbeck, Young 2, Rooney 3, Park, Nani) Arsenal 2 (van Persie, Walcott), Premier League, August 2011
Arsenal 1 (Ramsey) Manchester United 0, Premier League, May 2011
STATS...
Arsenal have not won at Old Trafford since September 2006, a 1-0 league win thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor. Since then they have suffered seven defeats and one draw (across all competitions).
The clubs have met 215 times (all competitions), and their last clash at Old Trafford was the highest-scoring match between them - United won 8-2 in the Premier League in August 2011.
United have never lost a Premier League game after going two goals ahead, something they have done 347 times (337 wins 10 draws).
ODDS...
Man United to win: 1.66
Arsenal to win: 4.75
Draw: 3.75
TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 12.45pm and highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm
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