Arsenal vs Manchester United
The two form teams of the division meet on Sunday afternoon, with victory for Arsenal likely to get their fans believing they can win the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta has surprised the majority this season by turning last season’s Champions League disappointment into a title challenge. The Gunners have been sensational and have only one defeat to their name, but that was against United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal dominated possession in Manchester, but Arteta said his side were not brave enough and “weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal”.
They have been precisely the opposite since that September defeat – and only Newcastle have since taken points from the Gunners at The Emirates.
Arteta’s men quickly got over that as they beat Spurs 2-0 last time out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They were good value for that win, but know that they will be in for a tougher game against Erik ten Hag’s men. United will likely surrender possession again, as they did at Old Trafford, and look for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony on the break.
Striker Wout Weghorst does give them a different dimension and they could opt to go over Arsenal’s press and into the big striker. That may cause Arsenal problems, while Weghorst is also a willing participant in Ten Hag’s pressing game.
United’s front three will make it very difficult for Arsenal to get their passing game going and they will have to remain patient. Newcastle, though, showed how to stifle the hosts and United will arrive with a similar 4-3-3 formation.
The suspended Casemiro will miss out for United and that will be a big blow, although his compatriot Fred has been in good form and is likely to fill in.
United are 3/1 shots, with Arsenal odds on, but it’s the draw which appeals most.
Away from home only Man City and Liverpool post a better xG than United, but the Gunners are dominant at home. And we think that the hosts’ impressive xGA (1) should see them limit United to very few scoring opportunities.
High-flying Newcastle managed goalless draws against both clubs and they are a good barometer to indicate a share of the spoils is likely in north London.
Key stats
- Arsenal have won six of their last seven PL matches
- Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven PL matches
- Man Utd are undefeated in their last six PL matches
