Arsenal v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Arsenal host Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium in the early kickoff on Saturday. The hosts got back to winning ways with a fine win at Chelsea last time out whilst the Red Devils were humiliated 4-0 at Anfield. These sides are separated by three points in the table and this match will go a long way to determining whether either can qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal had looked odds-on for the top four after five consecutive victories and sent them six points clear of Tottenham, with a game in hand. The Gunners then collapsed something with four defeats in five matches as they failed to score in three of those defeats.

A 2-1 home loss to Brighton was followed by a shock 1-0 defeat at a Southampton side beaten 6-0 a week earlier. On Wednesday night, Arsenal went to Stamford Bridge and left with three points in a fine 4-2 victory. They faced a depleted Chelsea defence as Eddie Nketiah got a brace and Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka (penalty) got one each.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta remains without three of his starting XI in fullback Takehiro Tomyasu and Kieran Tierney and defensive midfielder Thomas Partey. Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga (recalled at the expense of Mohamed Elneny) are set to replace the latter two.

It could be Cedric Soares at right-back or Rob Holding could start with Bukayo Saka as a right wingback once again. Eddie Nketiah will surely keep his place after a place with captain Alexandre Lacazette left on the bench.

Arsenal Motivation

This is a must-win match in the top four races. A victory sees the side return to the fourth spot ahead of Tottenham’s match.

Arteta could set his side up to defend quite deep or to press high. Expect an attacking approach as they play to take all three points. Arsenal faces Tottenham over the weekend but that won’t play many parts in the minds of the players.

Man Utd Form

United are in terrible form with just two wins in nine matches. They’ve been humiliated 4-1 at Man City and 4-0 at Liverpool during that streak and have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League too, 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 away draw and 1-0 loss.

Both of their wins in this period have been 3-2 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hattrick against both Tottenham Norwich. In their last match, were outclassed throughout and managed to miss several good chances to finish the chance.

Man Utd Team News

Ralf Rangnick barely has a team at his disposal. Luke Shaw’s foot injury means his season may be over. Defensive midfielders, Fred and Scott McTominay should both return to play significant minutes in this match. Paul Pogba is absent with a calf injury.

Up top, Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt due to a family bereavement, and Edinson Cavani is injured. If Ronaldo has to miss out, then Marcus Rashford could lead the line.

Man Utd Motivation

United needs to shake off the Leeds defeat in this one. I think both sides will attack as a three-point haul is needed in the race for the top four.

Rangnick could use a 5-4-1 out of possession or go with a back four but don’t be surprised to see Sancho, Rashord, and Elanga in the session.

Key Stats

Arsenal have lost 4 of their last 6 PL matches

Arsenal have failed to score in 3 of their last 6 matches

Arsenal have won 10 of their last 15 home PL matches

Man Utd have won 2 of their last 9 matches in all comps

United have lost just 2 of their last 12 away matches (5 draws, 6 defeats)

Man Utd are 10 away matches without a clean sheet (17 conceded)

Verdict

This should be a decent match. Both sides are missing players or have doubts but United’s absentees look more damaging and they should take a win.

Best Bet: Both teams to score at 1.64
Value Bet: Arsenal to win at 2.10
Multiplier Leg: Arsenal win/draw double chance + over 1.5 goals at 1.68
Special: First half over 0.5 goals and Second half over 1.5 goals at 2.05

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis