The final countdown

ARSENAL

LEADER: Patrick Vieira, six-foot-four of towering presence
MISSING IN ACTION: Thierry Henry. A hole the size of North London
YOUNG STAR: Take your pick from Fabregas, Reyes, van Persie. On Saturday, watch for Reyes
WEAK LINK: Jens Lehmann. Makes the North Bank wish Almunia was in goal. Almost.

DISTRACTION: Ashley Cole and the tapping-up inquiry and possible transfer to Chelsea
HOW THEY SCORE: Their famed left hook: Cole, Pires and Reyes all operate in a matrix down the left, eventually feeding the ball to Bergkamp/Ljungberg/anyone else
WHY THEY SHOULD WIN: Form, especially their 7-0 demolition of Everton 10 days ago

MAN Utd

LEADER: Roy Keane, all pent-up fury and passion
MISSING IN ACTION: Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze, the two full-backs
YOUNG STAR: Wayne Rooney. Could score a goal but, as stars do, may combust
WEAK LINK: Roy Carroll. Makes the Stretford End wish for Fabien Barthez. Almost.

DISTRACTION: Malcolm Glazer. Maybe even the fans, if they demonstrate
HOW THEY SCORE: Their rhythm hasn8217;t been great of late, they rely more on moments of individual genius from Rooney or Ronaldo
WHY THEY SHOULD WIN: Have beaten Arsenal 3 times already this season, lost only once in last 9 matches