Wenger ready for do or die United showdown

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal face a do or die showdown against Manchester United on Saturday as his spluttering side try to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

After failing to win their last two league matches against Tottenham and Stoke, Wenger's men trail leaders Chelsea by six points and desperately need a victory at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Defeats to Stoke, Hull and Fulham have left the Gunners playing catch-up in the league and the Arsenal boss knows a loss to bitter rivals United would leave their title challenge in tatters.

"I will not tell you that the game is not important. It is a massive game with a massive importance for us," Wenger said. "We play every three days at the moment and every game is massive.

"Manchester United versus Arsenal is always a special one but we know for us it is vital to do well in the big games now. I'm confident we will."

LONDON, AFP