Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview

Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, Robin van Persie, Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Premier League

After wrapping up his first Premier League title, Robin van Persie returns to the Emirates after a summer transfer to Manchester United.

Although Manchester United already locked up their 20th title, Sunday's match will still have more than enough meaning behind it. A rivalry that for years was incredibly intense, not only between the players on the pitch, but also between the managers.

Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were far from friends, but as the years have passed and the Gunners have fallen out of title contention, the two managers appear to have put that heated relationship behind them.

For the fans, the rivalry may have become even more tense after their leading scorer last season eventually forced his way out of the club. He not only wanted to move elsewhere, but he made the move across England and signed for United. While it was a great decision in regards to increasing his title chances, he also lost a remarkable number of fans by putting pen to paper.

Whether he cares or not is a different story, but one certainty is that the Gunner's fans will not have forgotten, and they will prove their frustration and discontent on Sunday.

Having van Persie back at the Emirates will be plenty of fuel for the fire, but with the Arsenal players also taking part in a guard of honor before the match, the home fans will be wanting a victory more than ever.

The full three points will not win Arsenal a title, but it could help them make their way back into the Champions League, as they have done for many successive years. With Tottenham drawing away to Wigan on Saturday, the Gunners will have another great opportunity to pull away from their London rivals.

Motivation will not be a problem for the Arsenal players, but for United, this rivalry may be the only thing that could keep them interested.

A 20th title is already confirmed, so with nothing to play for other than pride, Alex Ferguson's players could struggle to find that fire within that has led them to wrestling back the EPL title, after watching their Manchester neighbors claim it last year.

Despite the importance of this match for Arsenal, they have been in good form as of late. Four wins in their last five Premier League matches could give them that extra boost they may need. A stadium full of fans showing their hatred for United will also get the players going.

Ferguson has come out and stated that despite having nothing more to play for, he will field a competitive squad at the Emirates on Sunday. As for Arsene Wenger, he will be without shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski who is still out with an injury, giving Wojciech Szczesny another chance to start and prove his worth.

Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny should remain at the heart of the Arsenal defense, forcing Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen to once again watch from the bench. The newly appointed Arsenal skipper is likely not very happy with his current role at the club, but given his recent run of form, Wenger's decision to leave him out of the squad has really helped sort out some of Arsenal's defensive problems.

Arsenal will also be missing Olivier Giroud, who was sent off against Fulham and received a three match ban. The Gunners tried to appeal the suspension, but the FA did not change the decision, leaving Arsene Wenger with the option to either play Theo Walcott in a central role, or toying with the idea of giving Lukas Podolski or even Gervinho a starting opportunity.

With van Persie coming off a hat-trick against Aston Villa, which earned the Red Devils the title, the Arsenal squad will need to make sure they do not give him too many opportunities on goal.