PREVIEW: Ferguson and Wenger lock horns in Champions League semi

By Ben James Apr 27, 2009, 7:14 GMT

London - Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, the two most successful English Premier League managers, lock horns this week in the first leg of what promises to be a ding-dong semi-final battle of the Champions League.

While Ferguson and Manchester United bid for their third Champions League crown after wins in 1999 and last season, Wenger and Arsenal are bidding for their first, having lost in the final in 2006.

United may be top of the league table and in sight of the title for the third successive year, but Arsenal are the in-form team, unbeaten in their last 20 league games.

Both managers know that winning Europe's most celebrated club competition is far from easy and Wenger, whose side travel to Old Trafford in the opening leg, is determined to win the one trophy to elude him.

'It's missing on my CV,' he said. 'I don't want to miss it out and we will fight very hard to get it. We were very, very close (in 2006, when they led Barcelona 1-0 only to end up 2-1 losers.

'We were 30 minutes away three years ago. So we will add those 30 minutes if we can. But first of all we have to go through against Man United. It's a big task but I'm convinced we can do it.'

After stuttering through the middle of the season and despite a series of injuries to key defensive players like William Gallas, Arsenal have found their form in recent weeks.

'It is a younger team but maybe they are more consistent and more difficult to beat,' Wenger said.

'The way we responded (to the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea) three days later (by drawing 4-4 at Liverpool after being 2-1 down) was magnificent. That kind of character can be decisive.'

While Ferguson has engaged in a war of words with Rafael Benitez, the manager of Liverpool, the nearest challengers to United's title bid, the Scot's relationship with Wenger appears to have mellowed from when the two clubs were going head-to-head for the title a few years ago.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas said United were the best side in the world right now.

'They are a top, top side and we respect them a lot,' the Spaniard said. 'In fact, they are one of the best clubs in history. I respect Alex Ferguson for what he has achieved.

'There have been some great battles over the years and I am sure these two games will be just as interesting and dramatic. (Wayne) Rooney and (Cristiano) Ronaldo are amazing. I really and admire them for what they do. '

Arsenal did, however, beat United earlier in the season and Fabregas said his side have nothing to fear.

'At least we know we can beat them as we proved at The Emirates. They had their best players in the game earlier in the season and we won. That gives us tremendous confidence,' he said.

As for Ferguson, he admits that winning a third European Cup crown is just as important as equalling Liverpool's domestic record of 18 league titles, something they would do if they win the title this season.

'Our European record has not been enough,' he said. 'Liverpool have won it five times, Bayern four times, Ajax four times and we really should be thinking about it in terms of that for our club because I want it to be more.

'It took me 13 years (to win it), and another nine years before I won it again. It's not easy.'