With Toure serving the second of his 3 suspended matches, Pascal Cygan will continue as the probable weak leak in the Arsenal defence. But Almunia, Cole, and Lauren are expected to return. To be fair, when called upon Cygan has had a better time this season than in previous ones.

Bergkamp is likely to return alongside Henry, with the raw flair of van Persie relegated to the bench along with his lack of experience. If that's right then the selection question marks are over Pires or Reyes on the left wing, and Flamini or Cesc alongside Vieira in the middle. Both are hard to call, but I'd make Pires and Flamini slight favourites. I know many would put Cesc ahead of Flamini but I think for a game like this the Frenchman's greater presence and experience might give him the advantage. And with Bergkamp playing, we'd miss the craft of Cesc a little less than otherwise.

Man Utd bring back Roy Keane, suspended for the FA Cup win over Boro on Saturday. Also returning are Scholes and Silvestre, who were rested for that game. Ryan Giggs is expected to be fit despite a tight hamstering (aren't they all?) suffered at the weekend. Alan Smith and Darren Fletcher are doubtful. Ruud van Nistelrooy is out with an achilles problem.

Home fans should note that slices of pizza are available from various cafes and take-out places in the Highbury area. But we suspect that even the most accomplished frisbee-thrower would be hard pushed to hit the dug-out from anywhere but the East Stand.