Israel Saria
Robin van Persie faces his former club as Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in this weekend’s Premier League.
Both managers have called for Arsenal fans to respect the Dutchman, who joined United in a £25 million summer transfer, but Van Persie is assured a hostile reception from the visiting fans.
The Gunners have struggled for goals this season without Van Persie, but hit seven in their extraordinary midweek win against Reading in the Capital One Cup.
If United win, they will go top of the table for a few hours at least – current leaders Chelsea travel to Swansea in the pick of the 3pm kick-offs.
The game will come as a welcome break from the racism rows erupting around the club following their two games against Manchester United in the last week.
The midweek Capital One Cup game gave Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic a convenient opportunity to serve their suspensions after being sent off in the Premier League last Sunday.
Champions Manchester City visit West Ham in the late game. Roberto Mancini did little to quell speculation about his future by saying on Friday he was “very close with seven or eight teams” over the last year.
Click the links below for full previews from the weekend’s games, including team news, manager quotes and match facts from Opta. Kick-offs 15:00 UK time unless stated.
SATURDAY
Manchester United v Arsenal (12:45)
West Ham United v Manchester City (17:30)
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