Team News:
Rio Ferdinand is set to start for Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal after recovering from a rib injury.
The defender, who was helped off the pitch in the Red Devils' 1-0 win, should return to anchor the centre of defence alongside Nemanja Vidic. Patrice Evra is also set to be passed fit.
Arsenal have leading scorer Robin van Persie back after a groin problem, but Mikael Silvestre (groin) is a doubt.
Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied and Eduardo and Gael Clichy are both injured.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand is raring to go after missing the 2-0 victory away at Middlesbrough over the weekend.
The England international coughed up blood in United's dressing room following the accidental clash with Edwin van der Sar in the latter stages of the second half against Arsenal last Wednesday, spending the night in hospital as a precaution.
However, scans revealed no extensive damage had been caused in the collision.
Ferguson is also optimistic over Patrice Evra, who was replaced by Rafael in the 78th minute against Middlesbrough after sustaining a leg injury.
Should the Frenchman fail a fitness test, first-leg goalscorer John O'Shea could move to left-back, with Rafael or Gary Neville taking his place at right-back.
Jonny Evans, who replaced Ferdinand late on against Arsenal, is another alternative.
Potential Team Line-up:
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs, Nasri, Song, Fabregas, Walcott, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Denilson, Silvestre, Diaby, Eboue, Bendtner, Ramsey.
Man United (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Rafael, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Ronaldo, Anderson, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Park, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov.
Head-to-Head:
Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in November thanks to a brace from Samir Nasri. The Red Devils went on a 14-match unbeaten streak in the BPL after that game.
Arsenal have never progressed from a European tie against another English club. They lost 3-2 on aggregate against Chelsea in a 2003-04 CL quarter-final and lost 5-3 on aggregate to Liverpool at the same stage last season.
Manchester United however, have never been knocked out of European competition by an English club. They previously knocked out Tottenham Hotspur (1963-64, Cup Winners' Cup) and Everton (1964-65, Fairs Cup) and won last year's Champions League by beating Chelsea after penalties in the final.
This game is the 39th clash between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Both managers have won 15 and eight matches were drawn.
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