Sir Alex Ferguson says it is vital his Manchester United team do not concede an away goal to Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg.
United host the Gunners at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the all-English tie.
"There will be more vigilance in terms of an awareness from both teams in not losing a goal, particularly at your own ground. That will be the key," he said.
"We need to win without conceding a goal. I'd be delighted to win 1-0 and take that to the Emirates."
United came back from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday and Ferguson believes the win demonstrated his players are showing no signs of fatigue.
"We have got enough freshness in the team now," he added. "I think that period when we were playing quite a few of games in a short space of time has changed a little bit for us.
"Having four days' rest before games is certainly helping us. You saw the energy levels in the second half against Tottenham so there is nothing wrong with the energy.
"That augers well for the game but Arsenal are fresh as well so it will be a real tussle."
Ferguson, who has a selection dilemma up front after the impact made by Carlos Tevez in the comeback against Spurs, does not expect a mouth-watering tie to be settled one way or the other at Old Trafford.
"It won't be decided on Wednesday," he said. "I feel sure of that. I think that there is a lot of football left at the Emirates.
"Looking at the tie and the players on view you almost think this is a perfect semi-final. It is full of terrific footballers and both teams play good football and it could be that way. It has an appetising look about it.
"I hope it is a really good game of football, I hope we play fantastic football and we win.
"I respect Arsenal's ability to play good football too and it could be a cracker."
United are vying to become the first team since the old-style European Cup became the Champions League to win the competition twice in succession.
"It would be great if we could be the first team to do that," said the Scot. "We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us.
"We are in the semi-final and if we put in two good performances and win then we will have the chance to do it for the first time and that is quite exciting for us."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his side will be full of self-belief for the game after extending their Premier League unbeaten run to 20 games with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.
"We will go to United with belief and to enjoy it - and also to be faithful to the game we play," said Wenger.
"What is important on Wednesday is that we are at our best. When we are at our best we can beat everybody."
Arsenal produced a classy performance at the Emirates to overpower relegation-threatened Middlesbrough, with captain Cesc Fabregas scoring both of their goals - his first strikes since the start of October.
The Gunners' unbeaten league run stretches back to 30 November and has allowed them to regain the initiative in the chase for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
"The first target was to win the game and that is the very best preparation," said Wenger.
In contrast, Manchester United's results have been less consistent of late, although Wenger is urging his players to concentrate on their own qualities and not to underestimate Ferguson's side.
"Let's focus on us to be at our best and not to speculate on any weakness of Manchester United because they have experience," he added.
Fabregas's return to fitness and form and the return of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after an ankle injury are major boosts for Arsenal ahead of the game at Old Trafford.
Leading scorer Robin van Persie remains sidelined with a groin problem and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied.
Dane Claus Bo Larsen has been appointed by Uefa to referee the game.
Larsen is already known to United, having refereed the Uefa Super Cup final in August when he sent off Paul Scholes for two bookable offences during the 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.
United boss Ferguson did not contest the dismissal, admitting the referee had made the correct decision.
Larsen, 43, speaks English fluently and also refereed Arsenal's 0-0 draw with AC Milan last season.
United host the Gunners at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the all-English tie.
"There will be more vigilance in terms of an awareness from both teams in not losing a goal, particularly at your own ground. That will be the key," he said.
"We need to win without conceding a goal. I'd be delighted to win 1-0 and take that to the Emirates."
United came back from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday and Ferguson believes the win demonstrated his players are showing no signs of fatigue.
"We have got enough freshness in the team now," he added. "I think that period when we were playing quite a few of games in a short space of time has changed a little bit for us.
"Having four days' rest before games is certainly helping us. You saw the energy levels in the second half against Tottenham so there is nothing wrong with the energy.
"That augers well for the game but Arsenal are fresh as well so it will be a real tussle."
Ferguson, who has a selection dilemma up front after the impact made by Carlos Tevez in the comeback against Spurs, does not expect a mouth-watering tie to be settled one way or the other at Old Trafford.
"It won't be decided on Wednesday," he said. "I feel sure of that. I think that there is a lot of football left at the Emirates.
"Looking at the tie and the players on view you almost think this is a perfect semi-final. It is full of terrific footballers and both teams play good football and it could be that way. It has an appetising look about it.
"I hope it is a really good game of football, I hope we play fantastic football and we win.
"I respect Arsenal's ability to play good football too and it could be a cracker."
United are vying to become the first team since the old-style European Cup became the Champions League to win the competition twice in succession.
"It would be great if we could be the first team to do that," said the Scot. "We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us.
"We are in the semi-final and if we put in two good performances and win then we will have the chance to do it for the first time and that is quite exciting for us."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his side will be full of self-belief for the game after extending their Premier League unbeaten run to 20 games with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.
"We will go to United with belief and to enjoy it - and also to be faithful to the game we play," said Wenger.
"What is important on Wednesday is that we are at our best. When we are at our best we can beat everybody."
Arsenal produced a classy performance at the Emirates to overpower relegation-threatened Middlesbrough, with captain Cesc Fabregas scoring both of their goals - his first strikes since the start of October.
The Gunners' unbeaten league run stretches back to 30 November and has allowed them to regain the initiative in the chase for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
"The first target was to win the game and that is the very best preparation," said Wenger.
In contrast, Manchester United's results have been less consistent of late, although Wenger is urging his players to concentrate on their own qualities and not to underestimate Ferguson's side.
"Let's focus on us to be at our best and not to speculate on any weakness of Manchester United because they have experience," he added.
Fabregas's return to fitness and form and the return of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after an ankle injury are major boosts for Arsenal ahead of the game at Old Trafford.
Leading scorer Robin van Persie remains sidelined with a groin problem and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied.
Dane Claus Bo Larsen has been appointed by Uefa to referee the game.
Larsen is already known to United, having refereed the Uefa Super Cup final in August when he sent off Paul Scholes for two bookable offences during the 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.
United boss Ferguson did not contest the dismissal, admitting the referee had made the correct decision.
Larsen, 43, speaks English fluently and also refereed Arsenal's 0-0 draw with AC Milan last season.