Manchester United's blood and sweat that they poured out whilst triumphing 4-2 over Arsenal on Tuesday night may prove worthless, unless the Red Devils claim all three points at Old Trafford against Birmingham on Saturday afternoon.

United are now two points ahead of the Gunners in the league but are well behind table-toppers Chelsea by a hefty eleven points. Neighbours Manchester City have been asked a favour by their Mancunian rivals this weekend - and that's to take points off Jose Mourinho on Sunday.

Eric Djemba-Djemba will start his first game for new club Aston Villa against Arsenal, and has also been asked a task by his former Old Trafford faithful. Djemba is set to be the anchor in midfield for Villa as they host Arsenal this weekend.

It will be another case of Master v. Apprentice, as Sir Alex Ferguson and Steve Bruce meet once again. Bruce played under Fergie for many years as a Red Devil and now looks to bite the hand that fed him.

Bruce's Blues have only scored one goal in five meetings with United in the Premiership. New signing Walter Pandiani looks to rectify that problem after netting on his debut against Southampton.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Alan Smith will be out for a further two weeks after damaging his ankle again. The Scotsman revealed: "I think we rushed him back too quickly. It is one of these unfortunate things. I am sure he will be ready within two weeks."

He added: "We are in great form and there is a confidence and determination about the place. I don't think we needed the Arsenal win to emphasise the form we're in."

"We've now done the double over Liverpool and Arsenal and that's no mean feat. I don't know if we've done that before in the premier division in one season."