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Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 28/04/2009

The semi-finals of the Champions League have thrown up an intriguing all-English encounter as reigning champions and betting favourites Manchester United take on Arsenal.

Wednesday evening's first leg takes place at Old Trafford, with United looking to build on a slightly fortunate 5-2 weekend thrashing of Spurs, which put them in pole position for a third straight league title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have looked far from convincing in recent weeks, with talk of a five-trophy season having been shattered by and FA Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Everton.

The defensive solidity which was a feature of the Red Devils' play earlier on in the campaign has been replaced by a shaky look, with even Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic seeming to have lost form.

Right-back has also become a problem area for the veteran Scot, with Gary Neville ruled out of the Gunners clash due to a foot injury.

That is likely to mean a start for John O'Shea on the right side of defence, with Rafael still short of the required experience, while Wes Brown is not yet fully fit.

Ferguson's other 'problem', if it can be called that, is which of Dimitar Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to leave out in attack.

Ronaldo and Rooney are almost certain to start, with Tevez hoping to edge out Berbatov after impressing against Spurs.

United have also struggled to produce their best attacking form for much of the season, but stalwart Paul Scholes seems unconcerned by that factor, saying: "I don't know how much of a spectacle it will be.

"We don't really care how good it is to watch or how much pretty football is played, as long as we get through to Rome."

While United's form has been on the wane, the Gunners travel north having improved with every passing week of the campaign.

Indeed, Arsene Wenger's side have not tasted defeat in the Premier League since last November and the return from injury of several key players is undoubtedly a major factor in that run.

Midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas scored both goals in the 2-0 weekend win at home to lowly Middlesbrough and Wenger will be praying that the Spain schemer shrugs off a knock to face United.

In defence, Mikael Silvestre is a major doubt to take on his former club, while William Gallas is out for the rest of the season due to knee trouble.

Up front Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied, while Robin van Persie is likely to miss out due to a groin injury, meaning that much hinges on Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togo international offers the main physical presence in Arsenal's attacking play, but he has been struggling with a hamstring tweak in recent weeks.

In recent times these two sides have enjoyed a close and sometimes heated rivalry, with their Premier League domination only broken up by Chelsea and this season, Liverpool.

However, they have never met in Europe before, meaning that this tie represents something of a leap into the unknown.

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