Premier League preview: Arsenal v Manchester United

Successive English Premier League defeats could hardly be worse preparation for Arsenal as they tackle nemesis Manchester United.

The visit of Sir Alex Ferguson’s United to the Emirates Stadium would ordinarily offer Arsene Wenger and Arsenal the chance to claim bragging rights over their bitter title rivals from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

But this season the fixture represents an opportunity for revenge, after United inflicted a humiliating 8-2 thrashing on the north London club in August.

That embarrassing defeat at Old Trafford formed part of Arsenal’s worst start to a season for 58 years.

They have recovered to sit fifth on the table, four points behind Chelsea and with a chance of securing Champions League qualification.

But this season has been another inconsistent campaign for a team once considered perennial championship contenders.

The reality of Arsenal’s frailties was hammered home in their two most recent league outings, a 2-1 defeat away to Fulham and a 3-2 loss at promoted Swansea City.

With those unexpected reverses playing on their minds, it remains to be seen if the memory of their Old Trafford mauling will intimidate or inspire the Arsenal players.

Following an irresistible start to the season, Ferguson’s title holders have also been less than convincing.

But they have succeeded where Arsenal failed, by grinding out victories despite playing below their best.

United’s form slump came at a heavy price, with a premature exit from the Champions League and Carling Cup defeat to Championship club Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, they remain just three points behind league leaders Manchester City, and also ended their cross-city rivals’ FA Cup participation with a 3-2 third-round victory on January 8.

That was followed by a convincing 3-0 win over struggling Bolton, and Ferguson will be keen for his players to embark on a characteristic run of form in the second half of the season.

For the United manager, there would be no better place to start than the home of their old adversaries.

If any reminder was needed of the spite once felt between the two squads, there will be two veterans of those fiery clashes involved on Sunday.

Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s 34-year-old record goal-scorer and a title winner in 2002 and 2004, is back at the Emirates on loan from MLS club New York Red Bulls.

And just as unexpectedly, United stalwart Paul Scholes has been tempted out of retirement at 37 to bolster the team’s undermanned midfield.