Arsenal - Manchester United: Preview and Prediction for Sunday's Match

It's only August, and Manchester United are already in fine form, while Arsenal already have their share of question marks.

The two Premier League giants meet on Sunday at Old Trafford, with Manchester United considered the heavy favourites.

Manchester United are coming off a 3-0 thrashing of Tottenham last week, while Arsenal are coming off a 2-0 home loss to Liverpool. The Gunners, however, have some momentum after this week's victory over Udinese to send the club to the group stage of Champions League.

Arsenal have been involved in heavy negotiations with clubs to strengthen the midfielder after the loss of star midfielders Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. The Gunners are also in need of a left back and centre back.

Manchester United don't seem to be lacking anywhere. After a summer pursuing Wesley Sneijder came up short, the Red Devils appear to be set with the additions of Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, and Danny Welbeck.

The most questionable part of the Manchester United squad is goalkeeper. Replacing Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar, newcomer David De Gea has looked tentative in his new high-profile role.

Arsenal are still in the mix to add some new players, but are short-handed going into the much-anticipated match with the Premier League champs.

With Fabregas and Nasri gone, along with Emmanuel Eboue and Gael Clichy, the Gunners have a collection of injuries and suspensions going into Sunday's meeting.

Kieran Gibbs is out with a hamstring injury, while Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby are sidelined with ankle injuries, and Sebastien Squillaci is out with a calf injury. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Frimpong, Gervinho, and Alex Song are out due to suspension. Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny are questionable for the match.

Johah Djourou is expected to be the defensive midfielder.

A great deal of pressure will be put on young Aaron Ramsey, who will be expected to be the main playmaker for the Gunners. Manager Arsene Wenger will also rely on veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky, as the club goes on an intense search to add reinforcements before the August 31st deadline.

As for Manchester United, there are questions about defense going into Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson will be missing star centre back Nemanja Vidic, who will be out with a calf injury, while Rafael remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

Rio Ferdinand is questionable for the match with a hamstring injury, and Darren Fletcher is sick.

The Red Devils might have the best reserves in the Premier League, so there are plenty of options to step up. Chris Smalling, for example, has proven to be a quality replacement, coming off an impressive 2010-2011 season. In fact, Manchester United can expect a high-profile player left off the squad.

Most importantly, Manchester United have shown that their new players are fitting in well with the club. After running away with the title last season, Ferguson's squad looks just as good, if not better, this time around.

PREDICTION: Arsenal are facing a very confident Manchester United club at Old Trafford. Expect Manchester United to be attacking, and not let up until they get their first goal. Wojciech Szczesny will need to be on top of his game to hold off Wayne Rooney, Nani, and Welbeck, and he may not have the defenders to hold off United;s attack. Meanwhile, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie will likely struggle to get touches, let alone shots.

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester United win, 3-1