Manchester United will be without Rio Ferdinand for their crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon.

The centre back had been a fitness doubt ahead of the match and is replaced by Chris Smalling. Phil Jones also returns in the United defence and will take the place of Rafael at right back.

Ryan Giggs comes into the Red Devils midfield while Paul Scholes drops to the bench after making his Premier League return against Bolton Wanderers.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes his first league start for Arsenal, replacing Andrei Arshavin, while Thomas Vermaelen passed a fitness test to take his place in the Gunners defence.

Thierry Henry misses the opportunity to face United once more as he misses out through injury.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Koscielny; Rosicky, Song, Ramsey; Walcott, van Persie, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Man United Lindegaard, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani; Rooney, Welbeck.