Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wednesday s Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Old Trafford will not be easy - but says the tie will be won or lost in north London. The Manchester United boss recognises the trophy is Arsenal s main priori

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Old Trafford will "not be easy" - but says the tie will be won or lost in north London.

The Manchester United boss recognises the trophy is Arsenal's main priority after securing a top four finish at the weekend - and he expects a tough game.

"There's always a danger of facing teams who are not challenging for the league," he said.

"Arsenal have not lost a league match for 20 games. But it won't be decided on Wednesday. I feel sure of that. There will be a lot of football left at Emirates.

"It's almost the perfect semi-final, full of terrific players and both teams play good football. It has an appetising look."

Gunners defender Kolo Toure says United have it all to lose.

"There is more pressure on United because they are the team to beat," he said.

"We know when we play football against United, they struggle a lot.

"United are a really good team going forward, but, like us, at the back they have conceded a few goals.

"We have the same type of team, we both like to play, but sometimes you can be caught out at the back.

"The team that will win will be the one which defends the best. It;s going to be a really big fight."

Mikael Silvestre hopes to be fit to face his former club while captain Cesc Fabregas and defender Johan Djourou look to have shrugged off minor knocks.

However, Arsenal's leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) and left-back Gael Clichy (back) are both out while Andrey Arshavin is ineligible, having played for Zenit St Petersburg earlier in the competition.

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