Birmingham striker James McFadden believes leaders Arsenal are benefiting from not being overly reliant on Thierry Henry this season.

The Scottish international, who will face the Barclays Premier League leaders at St Andrews on Saturday, feels the Arsenal players have had to take more responsibility on their own shoulders after the departure of prolific goalscorer Henry to Barcelona last summer left a huge void to fill.

McFadden expects Manchester United to push Arsene Wenger's side all the way for the league title despite the five-point gap that currently exists between the two sides.

But the former Everton player is not anticipating Arsenal will suffer a hangover after being beaten 4-0 by United in the FA Cup and held to a draw at home to AC Milan in the Champions League.

McFadden said: "I can't see Arsenal being down after the last two results. I hope so - but I don't think so. They are not top of the league because they are weak mentally or physically.

"I can't see it being any different to any other game. They will be looking to bounce back against us but they are top of the league and there is a reason for that.

"I am not surprised they have done so well since Thierry Henry left. I don't think they had to replace him. They've got a great team and you can see their team spirit.

"Although they've got great players, there isn't a superstar in the team and they all pull in the same direction.

"I'm not saying they didn't when Henry was there but a lot of the time the players looked for Henry for inspiration whereas I think it looks now as if they are all taking that on board themselves."

McFadden added: "Are Arsenal champions-elect? Who knows. They've wavered a bit recently but they are still at the top and that shows you they are still in with a chance.

"I think it will be hard to count Manchester United out of the race especially this early. They are very strong and maybe stronger.

"Will Arsenal feel the pressure? I don't think pressure comes into it especially nowadays. Football now has a lot more younger players playing so I don't think pressure will come into it.

"But Manchester United know how to win leagues and have got a good balance of youth and experience."

McFadden scored his first goal for Blues in the 1-1 draw at West Ham a fortnight ago following his £5million switch from Goodison Park last month and is relishing the chance to tackle the Gunners.

He said: "The break we've just had from playing came at the wrong time for us. We were starting to pick up a bit. It would have been nice to have had a game last week and try and build on the performance and the result at West Ham.

"Games like this one on Saturday are what you want to play in. It is a massive game playing against the league leaders but, if you can't enjoy that game, you can't enjoy any game.

"Although the results haven't been what we wanted, our home form has been alright and we hope to continue that against Arsenal.

"Since I've come here we didn't deserve to lose against Chelsea and we definitely didn't deserve only to draw against Derby. We've got three home games coming up (Against Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle) and hopefully we can start picking up points.

"It is hard to get everything right especially when you get promoted and are playing against teams that are experienced at this level. It is hard.

"You just need to work hard and you need breaks and if you don't get breaks it makes it extra hard for you."

Blues joint top scorer Olivier Kapo will be available after serving a one-match ban against West Ham for incurring five bookings this season.

But City manager Alex McLeish has still to decide whether to recall the former Juventus player or persevere with Gary McSheffrey.