Arsenal can increase their chance of reaching the top four with a result against Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.

The North London side host the Premier League champions for the first time since their humiliating 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Red Devils and will be hoping to avoid a repeat of that crushing scoreline.

The Gunners are unlikely to call upon loan signing Thierry Henry as the striker is dealing with a calf strain. Another blow to Arsene Wenger's side is the loss of Mikel Arteta, who is expected to miss out as he continues to deal with a leg problem.

While Arsenal are still dealing with a number of casualties, Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel are likely to start in defence at the Emirates, with Robin van Persie leading the line for the North London side.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that he can recall Rio Ferdinand at centre-back following concussion suffered during the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

Paul Scholes scored at Old Trafford on Saturday but could drop down to the bench alongside Nani, who is likely to make way for Ji-Sung Park. Javier Hernandez is expected to partner Wayne Rooney up front as Danny Welbeck recovers from an injury.

Current form:

Arsenal: LWDWLL
Manchester United: WWWLLW

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Miquel; Song, Ramsey, Benayoun; Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Park; Rooney, Hernandez

Sports Mole says: 1-2