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

Arsenal host Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening in a key fixture in the title race. The Gunners are eight points clear of the resurgent Red Devils having played a game fewer. Mikel Arteta’s side are in superb home form and have lost just once all season in the league, a 3-1 loss to Man Utd in September.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal’s form is imperious. Their last 12 league matches have seen 10 wins and two draws, a shock post-Europa League draw at Southampton being the first of those. They won their five matches after dropping those two points, netting an average of three goals per game in that streak. It included a 1-0 win at Chelsea.

After winning 4-2 at Brighton, then dropped two points at home in a 0-0 draw with a resolute Newcastle. They won 3-0 at Oxford after three second-half goals to progress to the fourth round. In their last match, they won 2-0 away at Tottenham in the North London derby.

Arsenal Team News

Arteta’s XI is very settled and it could be the same as against Spurs. Eddie Nketiah continues up front in the injury absence of Gabriel Jesus.

Oleks Zinchenko will be preferred to Kieran Tierney at left back. Mohamed Elneny is carrying a knock and Reiss Nelson is ruled out with injury.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners need to win after Man City’s comeback win against Tottenham on Thursday. The gap is now five points with City having a winnable game against Wolves before Arsenal kicks off, possibly cutting the lead to two points for Arsenal, albeit with two games in hand.

Arteta’s side will play on the front foot but with some worry about United’s transition game having left themselves exposed in the defeat to Ten Hag’s side in September.

Man Utd Form

United have been in outstanding form. Their last 12 league fixtures have only seen them lose surprisingly to Aston Villa on an off-day. Their last 10 matches in all competitions have seen nine wins and a draw.

After progressing past Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup, they made it to the Carabao Cup semi-finals by beating Charlton 3-0. A somewhat fortunate win in the Manchester derby followed although they limited their rivals to just five shots (and 0.65 xG) all match in a top defensive display. On Monday, Man Utd led 1-0 at Crystal Palace but took their foot off the gas and leaked a 91^st minute equaliser.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag is without key midfielder Casemiro due to suspension. He could select both Fred and Scott McTominay to anchor midfielder with Bruno Fernandes moving to a wider role. Jadon Sancho and Diogo Dalot are unavailable.

Anthony Martial missed the defeat at Crystal Palace. Wout Weghorst deputised for him at Selhurst Park but may not start this one with the pace of Marcus Rashford down the middle if Martial is unavailable. Ten Hag must decide whether to stick with Luke Shaw at centre back or select Lisandro Martinez with Shaw at fullback.

Man Utd Motivation

Very high. Arguably, United had an eye on this match in the final 30 minutes against Palace. Without Casemiro, it may mean a more robust/defensive approach to protect the back four and free up Eriksen and Fernandes.

For the most part, it could be a counter-attack focused strategy but they will be going all out to win and close the gap to Arsenal to five points.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 10 of their last 12 PL matches (D2)

Arsenal have won 10 of their last 11 home PL matches (32 goals scored)

Man Utd have won 9 of their last 10 matches (all comps)

Man Utd have won 5 of their last 9 away matches (PL)

Man Utd have conceded in 6 of their last 7 away PL matches

Verdict

This promises to be a very tight match between two sides in outstanding form. Small margins could prove the difference and the loss of Casemiro may just be the deciding factor. Both sides should score in the match but Arsenal could edge it.

Best Bet: Arsenal win at 1.86
Value Bet: Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals at 2.75
Multiplier Leg: Arsenal win/draw double chance + over 1.5 goals at 1.50

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