SIR Alex Ferguson cannot recall every one of his 99 games so far in football's oldest competition.

But it is fitting that United's opponents in his 100th this evening are the team to have provided him with his most memorable experiences in the FA Cup.

The 1999 semi-final replay over Arsenal will stand out in most people's minds, highlighting in one match, a remarkable season that saw United win the Treble.

But the 2004 victory at the same stage will have been equally as sweet for Ferguson, not least because it halted Arsene Wenger's own hopes of winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

The rivalry shows no sign of slacking and Fergie yesterday singled out Arsenal as the side most likely to be United's main challengers for several years.

He said: "Because of the structure of both clubs, you know that in five or six years time, there won't be any big or fundamental changes, given the ages of both sets of players."

Given Arsenal's current five-point advantage at the top of the table, Ferguson could hardly deny the genuine threat posed by Wenger's side.

Fergie said: "It is an interesting season. Chelsea are talking about going for four trophies, us and Arsenal are going for three, and once you get involved in these tournaments, that's when there can be a change in the pattern."

It is at the business end of the season that squad strength really comes in to play and while United's injury concerns are easing, with the return of Louis Saha, Arsenal are feeling the pinch ahead of tonight's match.

Wenger could be without nine players, with Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna among the more notable absentees.

But Emanuel Adebayor, Matthieu Flamini and Senderos are all doubtful, with Wenger claiming he is down to just 14 fit players.

Exciting

"We have a few players who are on the edge," he said.

"We are down to the bare bones. Everyone will travel then I will make a decision."

The possible absence of Adebayor will be music to Ferguson's ears after singling out the striker for special praise.

The Togo forward claims he was wanted by United and so impressed has Ferguson been with the 23-year-old that he momentarily forgot about the achievements of one of his players - Ruud van Nistelrooy.

If Adebayor plays and scores today, it will be 10 consecutive games in which he's found the back of the net, which Ferguson thought was a record.

In fact, Van Nistelrooy twice scored in 10 successive games for United in the 2001/02 season and 2002/03.

Adebayor, however, Ferguson believes can even be compared to Thierry Henry, saying: "Henry was their most consistent scorer of the last decade, but 10 in 10 is a hell of a record.

"It's a terrific record and he will be one to keep an eye on."

Asked what he could remember of his 99 FA Cup matches in charge of United, Sir Alex said: "I can remember my first, but not all of them.

"There have been some fantastic Cup ties. You can't play in 100 without some exciting one.

"This club has had a great run in the Cup, we've reached eight finals since I've been here.

"The FA Cup is terrific and this will be a terrific match.

"Fasten your seatbelts for this one." Tweet