Old Trafford: Arsene Wenger has stressed the importance of avoiding a Champions League play-off spot as Arsenal visit Manchester United in the Premier League. Wenger&rsquo;s men travel to Old Trafford today knowing that a first away league win at United since 2006 would see them secure a top-three finish ahead of Louis van Gaal&rsquo;s side.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/may/17arsenal.jpg" alt="" /> Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger talks to his players during the FA Cup semi-final last month. Pic/Getty Images
Arsenal, who will take heart from triumphing 2-1 at United in the FA Cup in March, have contested a play-off in seven of their last nine Champions League campaigns and squeaked through 1-0 on aggregate against Besiktas at the start of 2014-15. Victory over United would see them seal direct qualification for the group stages. And Wenger told the press: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s very important for your season preparations to not have that kind of stress (about the Champions League qualifier) over your head from the first day you start again -- it's vital.
Arsenal are two points clear of fourth-placed United and have a game in hand, despite Louis van Gaal&rsquo;s men defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 last time out. Only a huge swing in goal difference could see United miss out on the top four due to their six-point advantage over Liverpool with two games left and Van Gaal&rsquo;s men appear well set to challenge for the title next season following the signing of forward Memphis Depay earlier in May.
In the build-up to the clash, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward stated that he was satisfied with United&rsquo;s season and expects more progress in 2015-16. &ldquo;I and the board said the goal was to get in the first four positions and we have reached that two games before the end of the season,&rdquo; Van Gaal told reporters.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not bad, I think. But it&rsquo;s also dependable on how we can make a balance in our selection. It&rsquo;s not good that I have had to change positions of players because players are injured.&rdquo;
Van Persie fit to play Robin van Persie is fit to feature, though, as the Dutchman has shaken off a virus in time to face his former club, while Di Maria and Marcos have both been passed fit.
Meanwhile Arsenal, are still without former United striker Danny Welbece, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Debuchy but Aaron Ramsey.

Coach Arsene Wenger hopes for a win vs Man Utd today to secure Top 3 EPL finish and avoid Champions League play-off challenge

EPL: Time for Manchester United to deliver now

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Coach Arsene Wenger hopes for a win vs Man Utd today to secure Top 3 EPL finish and avoid Champions League play-off challenge

EPL: Time for Manchester United to deliver now

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EPL: Time for Manchester United to deliver now

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