Ex-Red Doubtful

By Chris,
April 28 2009

It's another huge game for Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils on Wednesday evening as Arsenal visit Old Trafford in the European Cup semi-finals, first-leg. United will go into the game on a high after scoring an incredible five second-half goals against Spurs on Saturday – but Fergie’s men face a tough game against the on-form Gooners.

United will be without Gary Neville - meaning Sir Alex must decide whether to start with John O'Shea, Rafael Da Silva or Wes Brown at right-back.

Meanwhile, following his superb PFA award, Ryan Giggs will be hoping to make his 800^th appearance for the club.

Arsenal have no major injury concerns - but there is a question mark over Mikael Silvestre. The former Red was eager to make a return to Old Trafford but has been rated as 50/50 by Gooners boss Arsene Wenger.

No team has ever retained the Champions League since the competition was rebranded and the format changed back in 1992. United know that they're three big results away from achieving that feat - but face a difficult task against fourth-placed Arsenal.

Had Wenger's men now endured such a disappointing start to the new season, they would surely be in contention for top spot in the Premier League.

Their last defeat came on the 11th March in Roma - though Arsenal won the tie on penalties to book a quarter-final date with Villarreal. The North London club are unbeaten in the league since a shock 3-0 defeat at Man City back in November.

The defeat in the F.A Cup semi-final hurt - but the weekend's 5-2 win over Spurs has given the Reds some breathing space domestically. Arsenal and either Chelsea or Barcelona stand in the way of winning the continent's biggest prize once again.