Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen doesn't expect any extra edge to today's clash with champions Manchester United due to the required guard of honour.

Vermaelen, who is hoping for a recall to the starting XI tomorrow, maintains the home side must focus on delivering the required performance from themselves in their fight for Champions League qualification once the pre-match ceremony of a guard of honour is complete.

Speaking in the official Arsenal matchday programme, the Belgian international said: "The first thing is always to look at yourself and how you are going to perform, so I don't see it as a big deal that they have already won the title.

"While we congratulate them, we cannot worry too much about that.

"Both teams are hugely competitive and will want to win the game, so we will need to be at our best."

Vermaelen also believes watching United cruise clear at the top of the table has reignited the desire within Arsene Wenger's squad.

He added: "Everybody here wants to do what United have done - we are all ambitious and have a big desire to win titles.

"We want to be doing it every year, and the drive is within all of us."