Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United can wait, this is the big one, says Arsene Wenger before Celtic clash
Sir Alex Ferguson used to be a Rangers player but tonight he can pour himself a drink and relish the prospect of Celtic storming into London to give Arsenal a taste ofScotland's famous spirit.[LNB]In three days' time, Manchester United will take on Arsenal in the first clash of the season between two of the Barclays Premier League's big four. [LNB]United can prepare at leisure, free from Carling Cup or European distractions, while the Gunners must engage again with Celtic to protect a 2-0 lead and confirm their place in the group stages of the Champions League.[LNB]'Let's see how much energy it costs us,' said Wenger, when asked to consider the impact this game might have on his players ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.[LNB] Listen up, boys: Professor Wenger lectures his side ahead of the second leg against Celtic[LNB]Celtic may have been disappointed by the first leg at Parkhead but Wenger left Glasgow grumbling about physical challenges and will not expect Tony Mowbray's team to roll over and accept their Europa League fate.[LNB]'We have to give absolutely everything because this is a more important game thanSaturday for the club, by far,' said Wenger. 'If you drop points against Manchester United, you can always catch up. If you miss this game, you have zero. It is a massive game.'[LNB] Bruising encounter: Landry N'guemo floors Robin van Persie[LNB]It is also about money. The group stage is worth more than £26million to the Gunners less for Celtic because of the lower value of their TV rights and this guaranteed windfall could prompt a final flurry in the transfer market.[LNB]Yet still, Wenger cannot ignore United on the horizon, an early chance to prove a dozen goals in three games is not a flash in the pan and that his team is ready to compete with Ferguson's once again.[LNB]This Champions League play-off round has meant a congested start to the season for Arsenal and injuries are already piling up.[LNB]Cesc Fabregas will not play against Celtic and Wenger rates him 60-40 against playing at Old Trafford, even though a scan shows no serious damage to his hamstring.[LNB] Spell on the sidelines: Fabregas will miss the second leg against Celtic[LNB]Theo Walcott is still nursing a side problem which will rule him out of England's WorldCup qualifier against Croatia next month.[LNB]'There is still an inflammation of his back,' said Wenger of Walcott. 'The scan was fine, he has no hernia, but he has pain. He is out of the United game. England? No. There is no way. If he doesn't play against United, how can he play for England? His last game was in June. We wait until he has no pain.' [LNB]The absence of Fabregas could mean a start for Aaron Ramsey, a player Wenger used to illustrate why Arsenal are better than last season. [LNB]'Ramsey this year is a different animal,' said Wenger. 'Last year he was a little bit a youth team player, now he is already a senior player. I've told him his target for this year is between 15 and 20 games and, the way he is developing, he could get that.'[LNB]Celtic boss Mowbray has not lost hope that his side can produce an upset: 'If we played Arsenal 40 times, they might win the majority but there are games we would win. Burnley will finish 30 or 40 points behind Manchester United but their win last week proves that you can beat them. We can beat Arsenal.' [LNB]Fergie will drink to the prospect.[LNB] Don't count your Champions League chickens, Arsene! Celtic boss Tony Mowbray issues Wenger warning over play-offCesc Fabregas to miss Arsenal's Champions League clash with CelticARSENAL FC NEWS FROM ACORSS THE WEBCELTIC FC NEWS FROM ACORSS THE WEB[LNB] Explore more:People:Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Theo Walcott, Tony MowbrayPlaces:London, Glasgow, Croatia, Scotland, United Kingdom
