Arsenal keeper David Seaman has been ruled out of the crunch clash with Manchester United as his groin injury has failed to clear up in time.

Rami Shaaban should therefore start at Old Trafford, while Martin Keown will return to the side after hamstring trouble to replace the suspended Sol Campbell.

Ashley Cole should also be back after recovering an ankle problem, although Lauren faces a fitness test on his ankle and Oleg Luzhny is on stand-by.

Ray Parlour and Kanu are still slightly short of match as they both continue to recover from knee injuries, while Francis Jeffers (ankle) is ruled out.

Arsene Wenger is urging Arsenal to prove they are now the dominant force in English football on Saturday.

Wenger had declared after his team's title-clinching 1-0 win in May that there would be a shift in the Premiership power base.

And given that the double winners have a four-point lead over Liverpool in the title race, with the added ability to extend their advantage over United to nine points, he believes that target is on track.

Wenger, who will tell his team not to "hide" but to attack at Old Trafford, declared: "In our opinion, it represented a shift in power and that's what we want to show this season.

"I believe it was a perfect crowning of the season for us. Now we want to produce a top-class performance to win this game as well and we know that is what's always needed up there."

Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to adopt a new strategy in the build-up to the game by reportedly praising, rather than burying, Arsenal in declaring them to be the best side in the world.

Wenger was not phased, as he responded: "I don't know what he said. Let him show that to us this weekend.

"We want to be the best, that's what we want to achieve, but we have a lot in front of us still. Our main target is to play well and become stronger and stronger in every game."

Wenger is aware that some neutrals may even support United on Saturday to ensure that the title race stays alive.

"I can understand that because of the excitement of the league but I'm not neutral at all," he said.

He is aware that Arsenal have won 1-0 at Old Trafford in each of their two title seasons since he took charge, with two draws and two defeats - including one 6-1 reverse - in the other four encounters.

"So let's win again," he said simply, before refusing to be drawn on the prospect of then returning to Old Trafford to win the Champions League next May.

"Let's make it first of all this weekend a place that is good for us and, after that, it's a long way to the final. We want to win the league again and so this game has a big meaning for us.

"We are in December now, when the positions get slowly established, but there's still a long way to go. This game has a big importance but it's not decisive on either side."

A nine point gap would still be significant and Wenger is determined to search for victory despite warnings from former captain Tony Adams that Arsenal have become too "cavalier".

"I respect highly the opinion of Tony Adams, but it's our way to play," argued the Frenchman.

"I can't see us going up there and defending for 90 minutes and allowing them to go at us.

"We have won three Champions League games away from home this season and that's our style. We don't hide anywhere we go. Football is about trying to win, not only trying not to lose."

Gary Neville and Quinton Fortune, who played in Manchester United's win against Liverpool but missed the Worthington Cup tie at Burnley, are expected to return against the Gunners.

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is also ready to return after being rested in midweek while Laurent Blanc is fit again and back in the squad after recovering from a calf injury.

Juan Sebastian Veron is also close to a comeback after a bout of 'flu and could be on the bench.

Ferguson believes his side have healed the sores inflicted at Maine Road four weeks ago and are ready to re-ignite their title charge.

It was not just losing to Manchester City that angered the Old Trafford boss, it was the manner of defeat.

Since then, despite a raft of injuries to key players, United have re-discovered that winning mentality with five victories and a draw in six games.

On Saturday they face what Ferguson describes as "our biggest test of the season".

"Since the derby match the players have done exceptionally well," he said.

"It may have been a defining moment for us, the defeat at City, in terms of 'Enough is enough'.

"Certainly the defensive part has been fantastic ever since. There is a great determination about the place and a great spirit in the camp. These things will always give us a chance at Old Trafford.

"This is the biggest test of the season. With Arsenal six points clear (of United), it will be one game everyone will want us to win. It is an unusual situation for United, a landmark occasion.

"Arsenal have lost a few games recently from a position where they talked about being undefeated.

"That's what happens in football, it is such a difficult league. You can never be sure in this game.

"They are a good side, a powerful team, very quick and have a big squad of players.

"The important thing is for us to think we can get to within three points of them.

"I know I have players coming back and when they re-appear at Christmas time then we have four months to do something."

Ferguson has played down the hype involving opposing forwards Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arsenal's Henry.

"I am not even sure Henry is a striker, to be honest with you, where he plays in the game," said the United manager.

"He normally plays on the left hand side of attack. It is a different role from the one van Nistelrooy plays. Henry is still a marvellous player and a big threat to anyone."

Arsenal clinched the title at Old Trafford last season but Ferguson said: "I don't know why people keep going on about these things.

"It is small beer to me. It never crosses my mind to look as far back as that.

"We are looking at this year and this year promises it could be a great league."

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