Arsenal and Manchester United launch their final battle for the English Premiership this weekend in the knowledge that any slip could be fatal.Recent history proves that the team with the best away record usually wins the title.

Arsenal's double winning team of 1998 are the only side in the last 10 years to win the championship without recording the best away record in the division.

Arsene Wenger has said that Arsenal's performances at Highbury will determine the Gunners' championship chances but it's clear if they trip up on their travels they will not become the first club ever to complete the double double of the English Championship and FA Cup.

To keep that momentum going the Gunners need to play at their best away to Aston Villa today.

Graham Taylor's men might not be in the best of form, but Villa Park has often proved a tricky venue for the Gunners, with last season's 2-1 result the first Arsenal victory away to Villa since 1995.

Arsenal's other away tests are at struggling Middlesbrough, Bolton and Southampton.

They face Manchester United at home on April 15th, two days after their FA Cup semi-final against first division giant-killers Sheffield United. Leeds and Southampton are their other home matches.

However, Arsenal travel to Villa without four key players - England goalkeeper David Seaman, defender Martin Keown and forwards Robert Pires and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are all carry injuries.

But Wenger remains unfazed. "Injuries come along at this stage of the season and they are part of the game, but I am confident we have the talent in our squad to cope with them," he said. "Stuart Taylor has been outstanding for us. I believe that Stuart could be a future England goalkeeper himself."

Snapping at Arsenal's and Manchester United's heels are Newcastle United who will seek to maintain the pressure when they travel to Goodison Park today.

Arsenal are currently on 66 points from 31 games followed by Manchester United on 64 and Newcastle with 61. Everton are sixth with 50 points.

"We know what the Everton game means," Newcastle manager Bobby Robson said. "This one and the game next Saturday against Manchester United will determine where we're going to finish."

Robson may have to take on Everton without Wales striker Craig Bellamy who strained knee ligaments while on international duty last weekend.

"If he is not 100 per cent we will not risk him," said Robson. "We want him to be fit for Manchester United. Shola Ameobi and Lomana LuaLua are both fit and ready to play."