ARSENE Wenger has told his title-chasing Gunners to prepare for a battle at the Reebok.

Victory will take Arsenal to within three points of Premiership favourites Manchester United, and still with two games in hand, but the Highbury boss isn't expecting an easy ride.

"First of all we have to be up for the battle because that's what it is going to be," he cautioned. "We've got to be ready for the fight, compete and win the ball in midfield before we can think of playing our quick passing game, which can put them under pressure.

"If not, we will have problems."

Wenger faces what he admits is a "big decision" as he considers which of his emerging but inexperienced forwards to use in the absence of the injured Ian Wright and suspended Dennis Bergkamp.

Yet as he considers the respective merits of Nicolas Anelka, Christopher Wreh and Luis Boa Morte, he at least knows Arsenal's recent defensive resilience, with seven consecutive Premiership clean sheets, means one goal may be enough for victory.

"I love the idea that we scored one goal against each of Manchester United, Wimbledon and Sheffield Wednesday and got nine points with those three goals," he says. "It takes the pressure off slightly and, if you are strong at the back, then one goal can win it."

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