The Gunners have a one-point lead on United at the top of the table, so Monday night's meeting is one of the most important to date, as a four-point lead would raise confidence in the squad and perhaps help them on their way to gaining their first title since 2004.

However, the North London side may be without skipper Fabregas, who is suffering from the hamstring injury he picked up against Braga. Boss Arsene Wenger has admitted it is unlikely he will feature, but the Spaniard is determined he will make a contribution.

"If I can play in any way, I will," said the Spanish midfielder in The Sun.

"It's a huge game on Monday and we could go four points ahead at the top.

"We're definitely looking to go to Old Trafford and win. That would be a massive statement of intent for us. We are really going for it."

Although the Red Devils remain unbeaten in the league, they have dropped a surprising number of points, drawing seven from 15.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs have all been guilty of dropping points and the 23-year-old has spoken of how tight the title race is and feels his side cannot afford to keep on slipping up.

"Normally in December you see teams at the top of the table with 40 points or more. At the moment, we are sitting there with only 32. It is so weird.

"None of the top teams are at their best and that's making it very difficult for any one of them to break away.

"At Arsenal, we are clearly delighted to be top of the table, but we have still lost a few games

Kirean Gibbs will miss the trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday with an ankle injury he picked up in the win over Partizan Belgrade on Wednesday, while Fabregas remains a major doubt. Manchester United, however, have a clean bill of health after been boosted by the return of Rio Ferdinand, who picked up a hamstring injury against Valencia midweek, Paul Scholes, and Patrice Evra.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email