Which Henry Will Show up at Old Trafford?

For all his skill and wonder, there is still one major knock against Thierry Henry. The footballing Houdini often does a disappearing act in big games.

Sunday's Man Utd v. Arsenal tilt is a big game.

Both teams have a lot to play for.

Man Utd is trying to do what most thought was impossible - catch Chelsea, who have a seven point cushion, and win the Premiership. Arsenal is trying to catch down Tottenham, up five points on the Gunners (Arsenal has two games in hand), for 4th place and the final Champions League spot.

As my colleague eloquently reports, the Red Devils and the Gunners are the hottest teams in the Premiership. Arsenal has not lost since February 25; Man Utd's streak is even more impressive, as they have not lost since February 1.

So, something has to give on Sunday. And if one man can dictate this match, it's Henry.

We all know that Henry is a brilliant goalscorer. But too much of his best work comes against the likes of Charlton, Fulham, and Birmingham. His goalscoring record is not as robust against the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, or in cup finals, or in major international tournaments for France.

But in those big games, it's more than just his lack of goalscoring that's a cause for concern. In many of those contests, Henry has been made a peripheral figure. Against Chelsea earlier this season, for example, it was barely noticeable that Henry was on the pitch.

But like the rest of his teammates, Henry has been superb in recent weeks. Not only is he scoring, but he's shown himself to be worthy of the captain's armband. Arsenal's remarkable victories over Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League have shown that Henry has the ability to lead and inspire his young teammates.

But perhaps more importantly, the service Henry has been getting from midfield has been superb. Reyes, Fabregas, and Hleb, in particular, are really hitting stride. All three have proven to be threatening not only with their passing, but their ability to jump forward and support Henry in the attack. Fabregas is becoming a goalscoring threat from midfield. With the midfield taking shape, it allows Henry to do what he does best - make lightening-fast runs up the pitch.

But still, it is Henry's ability to score that makes the difference for the Gunners. Arsenal is 12-0-1 (W-D-L) this season in the Premiership when Henry scores, and 4-5-9 when he doesn't.

Which Henry will show up on Sunday? The answer to that question could make all the difference. If Henry scores on Sunday, Arsenal wins. If he doesn't the Gunners will be very fortunate to walk away with a draw.

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