Reuters, Manchester

At the start of this decade, clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United were still potentially title-deciding affairs, but when the pair meet tonight at the Emirates they will have more modest goals in mind.

United have not won a league title since Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge seven years ago, while Arsenal have to go back to 2004 for the last time they raised the Premier League trophy, during the reign of Arsene Wenger.

Both clubs entered this season hoping to finish in the top four, but while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided United to fifth place, just a point off the Champions League spots, Arsenal languish in 12th, 11 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after their home defeat to Frank Lampard’s side on Sunday.

Arsenal’s poor form led to the dismissal of their Spanish manager Unai Emery and the arrival of his compatriot, former Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Having left his role as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Arteta is talking big despite beginning with a draw at Bournemouth before Sunday’s loss.

“We are the biggest football club in England, and we have to play a little bit with that arrogance, that belief,” Arteta told Sky Sports, urging the club’s fans to make the Emirates a fortress again.

United head to London on the back of wins over Newcastle and Burnley, and with French forward Anthony Martial and England’s Marcus Rashford having struck five times in those games.

French midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to be part of the United squad for the clash with the Gunners as he continues his return from a three-month injury absence.

Runaway leaders Liverpool host Sheffield United on Thursday, looking to maintain their unbeaten run and 13-point advantage over second-placed Leicester City.