Since the defeat at Bramall Lane, Arsenal have made an explosive start to 2007. Fifteen goals in four games only tell part of the story. The victories at Anfield showed the strength in depth of the squad – Liverpool were torn apart with two different teams. And a heroic win over Blackburn with ten men proved that we can add grit to our undoubted flair.

We could hardly be in better shape ahead of Manchester United's first visit to Ashburton Grove. We have an unbeaten home record to protect and the chance of claiming a rare double over our old rivals.

"We are really determined to reduce the gap. We know we can beat United because we've done it away. Why shouldn't we do it at home? We're in good form, they are as well, it's a very promising game." - Arsene Wenger

Despite the optimism, it will be hard not to feel a tinge of regret when the players take to the field. Winning at Old Trafford in September was supposed to kickstart our season, yet we find ourselves 15 points behind United before kick-off. Consistency has been the key of course. Since losing to us, United have been ruthless. They've dropped just nine points from a possible 54 and seem to have an unassailable lead at the top of the table. Cristiano Ronaldo has put his World Cup nightmare behind him to emerge as one of the best players in Europe, whilst Paul Scholes is enjoying his best form for years.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have dazzled and frustrated in equal measure. An alarming habit of conceding the first goal coupled with some abject displays on the road have been our downfall. But our record against the big teams has been impeccable. As well as seeing off United, we've enjoyed a hat-trick of wins against Liverpool and a good draw at Stamford Bridge. The gap in points may now be too wide to overcome, Arsene Wenger has no reason to fear a gulf in class as he approaches the game.

Thierry Henry has marked his return to the team with three goals. Cesc Fabregas has been the creative hub of our midfield, whilst Alex Hleb and Tomas Rosicky are beginning to look very dangerous from the wings. We also seem to have tightened up defensively recently. Kolo Toure is returning to his usual immaculate self, whilst the form of Johan Djourou and Phillippe Senderos has softened the blow of William Gallas's injury.

The injury problems that have ravaged the squad are finally clearing up. Gallas and Freddie Ljungberg are the only major absentees as Robin van Persie appears to be winning his battle for fitness. Wenger has given our top scorer an 80 per cent chance of being available tomorrow, but it looks like Emmanuel Adebayor will be given the chance to repeat his Old Trafford heroics.

"I think Adebayor is the player who has given us the most problems this season, with his movement and skill. Arsenal controlled the game against us and he was exceptional."
- Rio Ferdinand

The Togolese striker had a slow start to his Arsenal career, but has won over the fans with his work rate and knack of finding the net in the big games. He has gelled with Henry on and off the pitch, but keeping van Persie out of the team in the long term will be a difficult task.

There's no doubt that we will miss the suspended Gilberto. His goals and leadership have been so crucial to us this season, but Mathieu Flamini has always been dependable when called upon and scored some important goals of his own.