Manchester United vs Arsenal: 11 things you need to know as the old rivals lock horns again

It might not be a title decider but this clash between United and Arsenal perhaps has a greater significance than some of their previous meetings

The Premier League's greatest rivalry is reignited this weekend as Arsenal travel toManchester United.

But while this game might not hold the same importance in terms of league standing as it once did, there is still a lot riding on this match.

Louis van Gaal is returning to Premier League action for the first time since he saw his United team slump to a desperately disappointing defeat at Sunderland.

And Arsene Wenger will be keen to get Arsenal's title crusade back on track as they close in on leaders Leicester.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the weekend's action...

Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

Pressure: Van Gaal hopes to return to winning ways in the Premier League

1. When is the match and where can I see it?

The game kicks off at 2:05pm on Sunday, February 28.

All the action will be live on Sky Sports as part of their Super Sunday programme.

Mirror Football will be running a LIVE blog so you can keep up with proceedings if you can't get near a television.

2. Team news

Manchester United: United's injury list is once again massive, but they could be buoyed by the unlikely return of Anthony Martial. Chris Smalling is also a doubt. David De Gea is expected to return.

Action Images via Reuters

Down and out: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out of action

Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the biggest new name on the injury list. Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla remain out.

3. Predicted sides

Manchester United:

Arsenal:

4. Reasons for United fans to be optimistic

• Memphis Depay. Finally he has shown glimpses of his undoubted ability.
• The kids, including Marcus Rashford, have impressed in recent weeks.
• United have found their goalscoring boots again having scored eight in their last two.

AFP/Getty

Showcase: Depay showed off his skills against Midtjylland

5. Reasons for Arsenal fans to be optimistic

• United are in the midst of an injury crisis and the kids might not be up to the big game.
• The win over Leicester has given new life to their Premier League title charge.
• Danny Welbeck is back in action and knows all about scoring at Old Trafford.

• 6. Last 5 meetings

  • Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United, October 2015 (Premier League)
  • Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal, May 2015 (Premier League)
  • Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal, March 2015 (FA Cup)
  • Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, November 2014 (Premier League)
  • Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United, February 2014 (Premier League)
  Last time out - Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United:

• 7. Recent form

  Manchester United - Last 5 games
  • Manchester United 5-1 FC Midtjylland (Europa League)
  • Shewsbury 0-3 Manchester United (FA Cup)
  • FC Midtjylland 2-1 Manchester United (Europa League)
  • Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United (Premier League)
  • Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United (Premier League)
  Arsenal - Last 5 games
  • Arsenal 0-2 Barcelona (Champions League)
  • Arsenal 0-0 Hull (FA Cup)
  • Arsenal 2-1 Leicester (Premier League)
  • Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
  • Arsenal 0-0 Southampton (Premier League)

  8. Manchester United's key man

  Matthew Peters

  Man of the moment: Rashford is expected to lead the line for United once again

  After instantly becoming a household name with his two goals on Thursday night,Marcus Rashford will be looking to build on his impressive showing.
  The youngster was given his first start for the first-team and took the chance with both hands, putting in a fine individual display.
  With Anthony Martial still struggling, he is likely to keep his place against Arsenal and United will be looking towards him if they are to secure the goals they need to claim victory.

  9. Arsenal's key man

  Stuart MacFarlane

  Say cheese: Welbeck made an emphatic return from injury

  He's back from injury and he's now back at Old Trafford. Danny Welbeck has already boosted Arsenal's title credentials with the winner against Leicester and he will be hoping to do the same at his old stomping ground.
  The Euro 2016 hopeful is expected to start on Sunday, giving the Gunners a much-needed outlet in the final third.
  He found the net for Arsenal on his return to Manchester last season and he will be hoping for similar success this time around.

  10. Betting odds

  Manchester United: 9/4
  Draw: 31/10
  Arsenal: 11/8
  Odds collected from Unibet

  11. Quote corner

  Louis van Gaal: “I shall never use youth for myself, only to improve the team. I have a philosophy that I don’t want big squads because then you cannot give youngsters a chance.
  “Now because of that you see a lot of youngsters who can show their quality, and you can also win. But it’s a big risk. Manchester United also want to give youngsters a chance. It is in the culture of Manchester United.
  “We are doing that but we have had a lot of bad luck. It is not normal that you have 14 injured players.”
• Arsene Wenger: “If you look at all the titles that Manchester United have won, to beat them at Old Trafford it needs to always be special.
  “We are in a strong position, that’s for sure, but there’s still a long way to go. You’re right that the first time was 1998 and that put us on a good run.
  “The second time we knew that if we won there we would become champions. It was a decisive game which is the case again on Sunday. Man United is a big club, Old Trafford is a special place and I believe for every club it remains a special fixture.
• 
  

Arsenal have won none and lost six of their last eight Premier League trips to Old Trafford.

The Gunners' win against United at the Emirates earlier this season ended a run of eight Premier League matches without a victory against the Red Devils for Arsene Wenger's men (W0 D3 L5).

Arsenal have dropped seven points from winning positions away from home, the joint-most in the Premier League along with Man Utd.

Arsenal have kept five clean sheets in their last eight Premier League matches.

Only three players (Thierry Henry 20 in 2002/03, Frank Lampard 18 in 2004/05 and Cesc Fabregas, 18 in 2014/15) have assisted more goals in a single Premier League season than Mesut Ozil (17) in 2015/16.

Man Utd (33) have scored fewer goals after 26 league games than in any season since 1989-90 (30).

Manchester United have earned fewer points this season than in any other Premier League campaign after 26 games (41).

Arsenal have only won two of their last seven Premier League away matches (W2 D3 L2), this following a run of 12 away matches where they won 10.

Manchester United have scored 995 goals at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Just 21% of the attempts Arsenal have made in the Premier League this season have been from outside the box, the lowest proportion in the top division.