'Keep clean sheet'
Nemanja Vidic believes another clean sheet can provide the foundation for a Manchester United victory in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal.
The Serbian centre back is confident that the Gunners will be unable to keep Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez under tabs for the full 90 minutes, making it imperative that United's back four don't make any mistakes.
"Rooney and Tevez are playing so well at the moment, but it's not just them; Ronaldo, Nani, every one of the attackers," Vidic said.
"Arsenal have been playing very well. They are not just winning but playing good football too. I watched their match against Liverpool and thought they were especially good in the first half.
"But, at the back, we will take just as much pride from a clean sheet as our strikers will from scoring a goal. Arsenal will be a big test but I believe we can stop them and have another clean sheet to our names."
Vidic's theme was echoed by his teammate John O'Shea.
"It's a massive game, it's two teams in good form," said the Ireland defender. "Arsenal deserved to get more than they got at Anfield (where they drew 1-1 with Liverpool last week).
"It's one of those games you look forward to and it's good to go into it in the form we are in. We've got loads of confidence, but we will respect Arsenal and the way they are playing.
"We know we have players creating chances and as long as we keep clean sheets then we are going to win games.
"We've got to go down there and be positive and not worry about Arsenal because our attacking style means we know we can score goals.''
Club captain Gary Neville could be on the bench for United after managing 56 minutes of a reserves match on Thursday night. It was his first appearance in over seven months in which an ankle ligament problem and other injuries have kept him sidelined.
Arsenal go into the match unbeaten in 17 games this season, level on points with United but with a game in hand.
England defender Rio Ferdinand admitted that United, who have hit a rich vein of form themselves in the last month, would have to be close to their best if they are to get anything from the game.
"They're a top team," Ferdinand said. "They're young, exciting, and enthusiastic and have a very good manager.
"It's always a tough game and the rivalry means it will be a fantastic game. There will be a lot of people watching at the stadium and at home so hopefully we will give a good performance."
Ferdinand reserved particular praise for Cesc Fabregas, who has scored ten goals from midfield this season and, at just 20, has emerged as Arsenal's leader following the summer departure of Thierry Henry.
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