Going up the Arse

United visit Highbury on Saturday for what will be the league leaders toughest test since they played Chelsea yesterday. Oxford played Arsenal at the Manor in the League Cup back in 1984/85, when the Gunners were also top of the league, and that time the Yellows ran out 3-2 winners thanks to a Dave Langan wondergoal and a Pat Jennings limp wrist. The last time the two sides clashed in the FA Cup was almost forty years ago, also at Highbury in the third round, during United's first league season. On that occasion, after many postponements due to the bitter winter snows, Arsenal eventually won 5-1.

Oxford still have a slight doubt over James Hunt, who limped off in the victory over Bournemouth on Boxing Day, although everyone else (except Jamie Brooks, of course) should be fit, ready and waiting. The defence is likely to be the same as in just about every other United game, with Abdou Sall on the bench now he's had his loan extended by a second month, whilst the midfield is unlikely to be changed from the one that beat Rushden (unless Hunt is fit, in which case he will possibly replace Hunter). Up front is the more interesting selection challenge, with the likelihood being a Steve Basham and David Oldfield partnership, with Jefferson Louis and Lee Steele on the bench, ready to pounce once the initial duo has softened up the Arsenal defence.

Arsenal will be without Thierry Henry, who pulled a hamstring during their win over Chelsea, and may also rest Patrick Vieira. Freddie Ljungberg remains on the treatment table whilst there are also doubts over Ray Parlour (aren't there always?) and Pascal Cygan. David Seaman will almost certainly be in goal, and we can expect to see Wheatley boy Martin Keown in the heart of the defence. Up front Francis Jeffers and Nwankwo Kanu is the likeliest combination.

Continuing the Rage Online pessimistic predictions we are tempted to go for a 1-1 draw, but in reality we really can't see the opposition breaching United's impregnable defence. So 2-0 to the Oxford boys, although we'll settle for the draw. Our main concern is that if we do concede a goal United frontman Jefferson Louis will join chairman Firoz Kassam and Nilu Kanani in the celebrations…

Saturday's referee is apparently Clive Wilkes, who took charge of United's win at Bristol Rovers during which he forgot to book anyone. However he also reffed Arsenal's 2-1 win over Manchester City when he sent off Ali Bernarbia and booked Vieira.

Manager of the Month

Following Bobby Ford in September and Andy Crosby in November winning the Division Three Player of the Month awards, Ian Atkins has now scooped the Third Division Manager of the Month award for December. During this time, with Atkins banished to the stands, United played five games of which they won four (including the swindno match) and conceded just two goals, scoring ten.