Van Persie already has 24 goals in 34 league matches and likely will finish atop that category since his closest competitor - Liverpool's Luis Suarez - is suspended for the remainder of the season. The Gunners come into the game in top form having lost just one of their last 12 matches in the top flight (W9, D2), a run which has seen them climb into third place in the table and be on the brink of securing a top four finish to ensure automatic qualification for next season's Champions League. United come into it having been crowned champions for the 20th time after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa earlier in the week and it's possible that they could take their foot of the pedal now that it's in the bag in a match which sees Robin van Persie returning to Emirates Stadium for the first time since his move to the Red Devils Arsenal still have plenty to fight for in the remaining four games of the season, with Chelsea and Tottenham hot on their heels in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Gunners have taken just four points from their seven games against the top clubs this season, but Wenger is looking at Sunday's game as a chance to improve that record and boost the club's top-four chances. "I personally believe we have been remarkably consistent against the teams who do not fight for the championship," Wenger noted in his pre-match press conference. "Last year we did well against top teams, but this year we have not. I felt it was a lot down to the fact we renewed the team and had a big lack of confidence for a while in the season. Now we have a good opportunity on Sunday to show that we have made that step so let's take it.
"We've had a strong run in our last ten games. We have a good level of confidence, we have desire. I am confident we will do it." Wenger added. The Gunners have gone a season-best six games unbeaten and Wenger's side have allowed just three goals in those six games and have kept back-to-back clean-sheets.
Arsene Wenger's men have also conceded only six goals in 10 league games since the beginning of February, keeping four clean sheets during the run, suggesting that they could well be capable of beating
Santi Cazorla previews the game and says the Arsenal must keep the ball better so that they hurt the opposition more :
"If we have the ball, we’re definitely going to hurt them. We’re a team that keeps possession well and knows how to hurt the opposition.
"If we don’t, it’ll be the reverse. They’ll cause us problems because they have a lot of quality and when given space they can threaten us. Keeping the ball is the key. We need to force them back and not give them time on the ball as they have players that can make a difference.
"It wasn’t a good game for us [at Old Trafford], admitted Cazorla. "We didn’t play very well and made life hard for ourselves right at the start with Van Persie scoring within five minutes.
"We found it tough trying to break them down and they had a lot of good chances. Then we went down to 10 men after Jack got sent off. They played the game well. My goal at the end means the scoreline flattered us a bit and I think they were better than us in that match."
Sir Alex's side especially in their current mood. Indeed, that was the case when they last beat United in the league in the 2010/11 season at home when running out 1-0 winners. United have won 12 of the 20 games that have come after sealing league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, losing four and drawing four. United have 12 away wins, four more than any other club and two short of the all-time club record. Ferguson's side have won seven of the last eight against Arsenal in all competitions, and three of their last four at the Emirates. Van Persie scored after just three minutes in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier in the season, in the reverse fixture.
Team News : Arsenal :Arsenal have doubts over Mikel Arteta (ankle), while Lukasz Fabianski (rib) and Abou Diaby (knee) are out.
Manchester United :United have doubts over Nemanja Vidic (knock), Chris Smalling (knock), Ashley Young (ankle) and Paul Scholes (knee).
Indeed the guard of honour and the return of Robin van Persie would make the headline prior to kick off but, Arsenal's honour lies in getting all three points to enhance pushing for their own target and with Tottenham's 2-2 draw against Wigan, at the DW stadium, a win will put Arsenal a bit clear of their rivals.
Mark Lawrenson BBC pundit on the game.
"I don't think this will be a great match. Manchester United have sealed the title so for manager Sir Alex Ferguson team selection will be crucial. You would never question his players' attitudes, but there may be one or two looking forward to the beach."
Arsenal Match Facts Via BBC
1. Arsenal have had five players sent off this season - two more than any other side.
2. The Gunners have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games, winning nine.
3. Since the beginning of February, Arsenal have conceded only six goals in 10 Premier League games, keeping five clean sheets during this run. They conceded eight goals in January alone.
Can Arsenal restore some pride and defeat Manchester United and the greedy badger? Let us know what you think the result will be in the new comment system below.
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