Top seeded Arsenal faces Man U who is just 1 point back in the standings.

Betting line is 4.20 Arsenal to win with Man U heavily favored at home

MATCH PREVIEW
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger rarely see eye-to-eye, but for once both agree on one thing - the month of December could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.

When you look at the fixtures, it looks like it is a decisive time for everybody at the same moment in this league. The fixtures of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal are all very big in December

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all face each other in a series of mouth-watering clashes between now and the New Year, starting with Monday's much-anticipated showdown at Old Trafford.

While the emergence of enemies with deeper pockets may have led to a thawing of relations between these two clubs, the animosity still lingers. The Gunners' last five encounters with United have been painful events and Wenger will not need reminding that since the London club's last piece of silverware in 2005, Ferguson's men have lifted seven major trophies.

Arsenal are being tipped as genuine title contenders this time round, but doubts will remain until their record against their rivals improves - Wenger's side have won none of their last 10 against United or Chelsea.

Wenger believes Manchester United defender Patrice Evra showed a lack of respect by branding Arsenal nothing more than a "training centre" in the build-up to this game. What better to way to show they have substance as well as style by ending United's unbeaten record?

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• This will be the 43rd time Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have faced each other. Ferguson has won 17 times to Wenger's 14, with 11 draws (two of which were then settled by penalties).

• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last five matches against Arsenal in all competitions, winning four.

• Arsenal have lost seven of their last nine trips to Old Trafford in league and cup.