Wenger: Confident

Related links

News

• Almunia: I'm the No.1
• Fergie slams 'obscene' prices
• Clichy relishing Ronaldo duel
• Ferdinand: We want revenge
• As good as it gets
• Fergie ready for Gunners
• Hargreaves reveals knee fears
• Which club is bigger?
• Rooney's form delight
• Ade reveals United snub
• Ade aiming high
• Opta: Wenger v Ferguson
• Fergie expects Gunners test
• Rio ready for Arsenal clash

Preview

• Arsenal v Man Utd preview

Gallery

• Arsenal v Man Utd memories

Article/Blog

• Walking the walk

Teams

• Arsenal

Also see

• Match preview
• Wenger v Fergie
• Picture gallery
• Adebayor target
• Sky Sports experts

Arsene Wenger is confident his Arsenal side can overcome Manchester United in Saturday's top-of-the-table Premier League clash, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

The Gunners have been in scintillating form so far this season but Sir Alex Ferguson's team has also produced some sparkling football in recent weeks.

United can climb above Arsenal with victory at Emirates Stadium and Wenger admits he is relishing the occasion even more than a usual meeting between the clubs.

"It is the two teams that are leading the championship so of course it takes a special importance," Wenger said on Sky Sports News.

"There is a lot of tradition as well because in the last ten years there have always been very good and very competitive games between us.

Back fighting

"In the last two years we dropped our level and were too far behind the other teams, but now this season we are back fighting for the championship.

"We feel we have made a big improvement and I have a great belief in this side, and I want that to come out tomorrow."

Wenger does not think the game will be any less competitive than in previous seasons, but he doubts whether there will be the same physical nature to the action.

The Arsenal boss has urged his side not to change their usual approach and he expects there to be plenty of flair on show.

He explained: "The characteristics of the two teams were more physical a few years ago.

"Now they are more technical and that is certainly what will come out in the game tomorrow.

"The kind of game we play tomorrow is very important. Everybody is looking at us."

Wenger has been impressed by United this term but he has every faith that Arsenal will emerge triumphant.

He said: "I believe my team has different characteristics and I believe our collective pressure will be good enough despite the fact that United have a very good group of players."

No talk of invincibles

If Arsenal can beat United it would be a major step towards winning the title for the first time since 2004, but Wenger insists it is too early to talk about emulating that side's unbeaten run through all 38 games of the season.

"We have a new consistency, but the 'invincibles' tag we will judge at the end of the season," he said.

"It is difficult to be consistent with a young side. That shows we have extra quality.

"Then it is down to humility. I feel there is more to come from this team.

"It will be a great satisfaction if we win the league."