Ferguson insists Ferdinand will be fit for crunch tie with Arsenal

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will be fit to feature against Arsenal in the Premier League’s biggest clash of the season so far next Monday.

Having limped off in Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Valencia on Tuesday, rumours were abound that Ferdinand had succumbed to injury once again and that the England captain would miss his side’s all important tie with Arsenal.

But Ferdinand has been declared fit by his manager and Man Utd are available at 1/1 to beat an Arsenal team who have struggled as of late.

Chris Smalling replaced Ferdinand last night and his involvement in the 4-0 defeat to West Ham seems to have affected the 21-year-old who looked diffident with the ball at his feet compared to his usual collected self.

Smalling has only been involved in two Premier League games this season and has seen two goals conceded, whereas Ferdinand has made nine Premier League starts and has been involved in five clean sheets.

With Jonny Evans set for a spell on the sidelines following his horrendous display against West Ham, Ferdinand’s involvement against Arsenal is crucial if the Man Utd defence is going to contain an Arsenal attack that has scored 34 goals in the league this season.

In their last ten games with Arsenal at Old Trafford, Man Utd have kept seven clean sheets against Arsenal and having conceded only six goals at Old Trafford this season, United are a decent price at 8/1 to beat Arsenal 2-0.

But Arsenal are a big price at 11/4 to go to Old Trafford and win considering Arsene Wenger’s side are on a run of three straight wins following consecutive defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Braga.

It’s a big month for the top three teams in the Premier League who all face each other and Monday’s winner will be well placed for a title challenge.

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