Arsenal welcome second-placed Manchester United in the weekend’s crunch clash
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Key Statistics
- Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were victorious in their last Premier League encounters against Man Utd and the Spaniard can become the first manager in Gunners history to win three games in a row against the Red Devils.
- Elsewhere, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer holds a poor record against the North Londoners, with United not winning any of their last four encounters.
Arsenal
Arsenal look to have got over their rough patch as they haven’t lost any of their last eight games across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta’s reliance on youngsters is paying dividends as the ninth-placed Gunners would look to push for the top-four race, especially after the emphatic win against Southampton in their last Premier League fixture.
Bukayo Saka was once again on target against the Saints, registering a goal and an assist. The 19-year-old, who has been receiving more praises of late for his performances, has so far racked up 5 goals and 2 assists, all of them coming in recent weeks.
However, Man Utd would be like no other opponent as they are currently a point behind the table leaders Manchester United.
Still, Arsenal can take advantage of United’s disappointing defeat to Sheffield United last week.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who holds an impressive record against United, is doubtful for the clash and Thomas Partey’s availability would be assessed before the game due to the leg injury he picked up against Southampton. New signing Martin Odegaard is also not expected to get forced sooner to the starting line-up.
Possible Arsenal line-up
Bernd Leno; Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, David Luiz, Cedric Soarez; Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe; Alexandre Lacazette
Manchester United
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that United have returned to their heydays, with them completely dominating the first half of the season despite a stumbling start. However, they suffered a shocking loss against bottom dwellers Sheffield United last week and it could have impacted their morale.
Nonetheless, United can’t be taken for granted at all cost as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has instilled a fighting spirit to the current squad, which has helped them produce some impressive come-back wins this season.
Anthony Martial’s performance against the Blades was scrutinized a lot, which could lead to the call up of Edinson Cavani as a starter for Sunday’s clash.
Possible Manchester United Line-ups
David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Fred, Scott McTominay; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba; Edinson Cavani
Betting Odds
Arsenal : Draw : Manchester United :: 2.80 : 3.50 : 2.45
Prediction
Arsenal 2 – 0 United
