LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is confident his players have enough self-control to avoid any trouble in Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford against Arsenal.
Last season's corresponding Premiership clash between the two sides erupted into an unseemly brawl that ended with United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy being jostled by angry Arsenal players following his injury-time penalty miss.
Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood labelled those scenes as an embarrassment, while Manchester Police have warned both clubs they will not tolerate a repeat.
Four Arsenal players were eventually banned for their part in the incident, punishment Ferguson still feels was way too lenient.
And while the Scot is not expecting similar trouble on Sunday, if there is, he is confident it will have nothing to do with his team.
"I have always felt a great sense of responsibility managing this football club, which is why our disciplinary record is so good,'' he said.
"Tomorrow's match will not present a problem for us in that regard. It is an important game but we know how to handle it.''
The relationship between Ferguson and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has never been viewed as a close one and the aftermath of the last Old Trafford encounter - and the build-up to this one - has seen them at loggerheads again.
Behind the facade though, there is genuine respect and Ferguson admits his jousts with the Frenchman are often a source of amusement.
"I don't mind it,'' he smiled. "It can be quite funny at times.
"We both have a job to do and we protect our clubs very strongly."
Ferguson though freely admits that unless his team can end Arsenal's record 49-game unbeaten streak, the Red Devils can kiss goodbye to any realistic championship aspirations.
Five draws from nine outings so far has left United trailing their old rivals by 11 points already and if they cannot beat Arsenal, it is difficult to see who will.
Yet despite starting the game in the rare position of underdogs on their own ground, and with skipper Roy Keane struggling to shake off a flu virus, Ferguson is convinced his team will get the victory they crave.
"I have a group of players who are well and truly capable of winning the game on Sunday and that is what I expect us to do,'' he said.
"For us to win the league, winning is a big issue for us on Sunday. I am sure Arsenal would be delighted if they got a draw and stayed 11 points clear of us.''
Providing Keane reports fit for duty, United could field their strongest line-up for the first time this season.
Rio Ferdinand is certain to return in central defence, probably at the expense of Wes Brown, while Cristiano Ronaldo should take the right-wing berth occupied on Tuesday by Liam Miller.
The only definite absentee is Quinton Fortune for a game even a man with Ferguson's incredible managerial record admits is extra special.
"This is the most important game we have had for quite a while but over the years, these are the matches we have revelled in,'' he said.
"These are the games where you feel you are challenged. There is a good buzz about the place and everyone is looking forward to it.''
10/23/2004 - 11:24 GMT - AFP