Ferguson is worried by 'on fire' Adebayor

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But the Manchester United manager said he would not be surprised if Arsene Wenger leaves the Togo international out of his starting line-up for tomorrow's FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Adebayor has netted 12 times in his last nine appearances for Arsenal and last season scored the winner in the Premier League game between the clubs at Old Trafford.

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Hot streak: Emmanuel Adebayor

Yet with Wenger's side facing AC Milan in the Champions League next Wednesday, Ferguson believes Wenger might rest the 23-year-old.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that happened," said Ferguson. "We have got a massive European game [against Lyon] next week and so do Arsenal.

"I'm sure there will be one or two changes in both teams. It's impossible to play the same team all the time with so many fixtures. You can't go back to the days when Liverpool fielded 14 players in a season. It's impossible nowadays."

Ferguson admitted he had been impressed with the way Adebayor has performed this season.

Yet he insisted he would not swap Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 27 times for United this season, for anyone else.

"Adebayor's height and physical presence gives Arsenal something different," added Ferguson. "He's scored 12 times in nine games so that shows the lad is on fire."

Ferguson is seeking his 12th victory in 36 attempts over old rival Wenger. It is the first meeting between the two clubs in the Cup since Arsenal triumphed on penalties in the 2005 final at the Millennium Stadium.

The outstanding tie of the fifth round represents yet another milestone for Ferguson, who has won the competition five times.

It is the 100th FA Cup tie he has taken charge of as manager of United, having masterminded 67 victories in the previous 99.

"My favourite tie was the semi-final in 1999 at Villa Park against Arsenal," said Ferguson. "It had everything. I'm sure this tie will be a typical United versus Arsenal game. It'll be very competitive. Fasten your seat belts!"