Premiership title race How they compare

THE TITLE RACE: A look at the differences between Arsenal and Manchester United.

An unstable and volatile mixture

Manchester United travel to Arsenal this evening for the clash which could decide the championship. Here, we look at some of the most explosive recent league meetings between the pair.

January 24th, 1987 - Manchester Utd 2 Arsenal 0 - Alex Ferguson's first league meeting with the Gunners emphasised the ill-feeling which would scar these contests down the years. Arsenal grew increasingly frustrated at the home side's physical approach and, at one stage, a skirmish erupted by the dug-outs involving staff of both clubs.

October 20th, 1990 - Manchester Utd 0 Arsenal 1 - A clash between Anders Limpar and Denis Irwin ignited a mass confrontation with most of their team-mates wading in. Both clubs were fined £50,000, with Arsenal having two points deducted and United one.

February 19th, 1997 - Arsenal 1 Manchester Utd 2 - An on-going feud between Ian Wright and Peter Schmeichel erupted. The Danish keeper was left in agony when Wright appeared to stamp on his ankle. Players from both sides jostled angrily and, at the final whistle, Schmeichel raced to confront the volatile striker, who in turn had to be restrained by Arsenal backroom staff and members of the local police force to prevent a full-scale fight erupting.

At the centre of it all

Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane will go head-to-head in a mouth-watering no-holds-barred confrontation which will lay the foundation for success or failure. But who will get the better of their latest meeting?

Tackling: Keane is a master of the crunching challenge. Vieira too will not shirk his responsibility.

Creativity: Keane can spot the killer pass and his tireless running means he is always available to provide the link. Vieira's intelligent use of the ball makes him a key player when his side is in attacking mode.

Strength: The Irishman differs physically from the Frenchman, but both are commanding in possession and difficult to muscle off the ball.

Passing: Keane's use of the ball tends to be over short distances and accurate. Vieira passes both short and long, helping his side to retain possession, but still providing the ammunition.

Finishing: Keane's contribution on the goals front has been a major factor in United's success over the years. Vieira scores less frequently and his strikes tend to come from greater distance. Keane 8 Vieira 7.

Captaincy: Keane has stamped his authority on the position. Never afraid to make his point. Vieira too leads by example, though perhaps not as vociferous as Keane on the field.

Up front and personal

No two players are as fearsome a sight for Premiership defenders as Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy. We compare the strikers before their tête-à-tête.

Finishing: Henry is not as natural a finisher as van Nistelrooy, having had to master the art when Arsene Wenger spotted the wide player's potential as a centre-forward.

Pace: Aside from Michael Owen, Henry is probably the quickest player in the top flight. Van Nistelrooy is no slouch either, but his speed is not quite as frightening as that of Henry.

Technique: Henry is more pre-disposed to a deft flick or cheeky drag-back than his rival. However, van Nistelrooy is a master of close control - with feet, chest or head.

Heading: Henry doesn't thrive off crosses into the box. Van Nistelrooy uses his height to great advantage and is almost as pinpoint accurate with his headers at goals as he is with his shots.

Work-rate-All-round contribution: Henry often demonstrates why he began his career as a winger with some excellent crosses and corner-kicks, while van Nistelrooy is a superb player with his back to goal and is able to hold the ball up and find supporting midfielders.

Trophy hunters

Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson have both enjoyed highly successful careers as managers of Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

Wenger (with Arsenal) Appointed: September 1996.

Premiership champions: 1998, 2002.

FA Cup: 1998, 2002.

Charity Shield: 1998. '99, 2002.

Ferguson (with Manchester Utd)

Appointed: November 1986.

Premiership champions: 1993, '94, . '96, '97, '99, 2000, '01.

FA Cup: 1990, '94, '96, '99.

Charity Shield: 1990 (joint holders) '93, '94, '96, '97.

Champions League winners: 1999.

League Cup winners: 1992.

European Cup Winners' Cup: 1992

European Super Cup: 1991.

Inter-Continental Cup: 1999.

Personality: Wenger's calm demeanour disguises an iron will. Ferguson's in complete control of his team - some might say the whole club. An intimidating figure, his word is law at Manchester United.

Psychological warfare: Ferguson's His appetite for psy-ops has not been diminished despite being dethroned as king of the verbal duel by Wenger last season.

Tactical ability: Ferguson developed the style of playing which is admired and copied around the world. The ability that Arsenal now show to strike at speed, run the length of the pitch and score is the same thing United have been doing under Ferguson for a decade. Wenger takes a scientific approach to the game. Has yet to discover the formula for achieving comparable success in European football.

The Players

Keane: Tireless running means he is always available to provide link.

Vieira: Scores less frequently and his goals come from distance.

Pires: Frequently wins games for Arsenal by popping up late in the box.

Beckham: Expert with the dead ball and maturing into team leader.

Van Nistelrooy: Uses his height and strength to great advantage.

Henry: Is more pre-disposed to a flick or cheeky drag-back.

Bergkamp: Exceptional talent who unlocks defences with ease.

Scholes: The complete all-rounder who has an eye for goal.