Man Utd v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Arsenal on Sunday in the English Premier League. United have just one win in their last seven league fixtures whilst the Gunners have won 14 of their last 16 games in the league. The Red Devils have won their last two matches vs Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Man Utd Form

United are playing poorly of late and it’s one win in seven league matches. A 1-1 draw at Brentford saw 21 shots allowed before a 2-2 home draw vs Liverpool where they were outshot 15-0 in the first half. A 2-2 draw followed at Bournemouth where United gave up several first-half chances.

A 3-3 draw vs Coventry from 3-3 down was followed by a win on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final. After beating Sheffield United 4-2 at home, United drew 1-1 at home vs Burnley. On Monday night, they were humiliated 4-0 away at Crystal Palace in a one-sided clash.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag has Lisandro Martinez back in training and may risk the Argentine to start immediately alongside Jonny Evans. Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Harry Magure, and Raphael Varane are all set to miss out. Casemiro is struggling in defence but will be on standby to cover back there once again.

Scott McTominay is doubtful in midfield, but Bruno Fernandes is set to return from injury. Christian Eriksen may again partner with Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room if Casemiro is needed at the back. Marcus Rashford is very doubtful so there could be another start for Antony in attack.

Man Utd Motivation

United look unmotivated and will one eye on their summer holidays. They would love to ruin Arsenal’s title ambitions by taking at least a point here.

Ten Hag’s side are strong on the counter-attack but they’re not equipped to absorb pressure defensively.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have bounced back well from a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa in the league and a 1-0 defeat away to FC Bayern Munich. That defeat in Germany saw a 3-2 aggregate exit from the UEFA Champions League. They won 2-0 at Wolves with 24 shots before mauling Chelsea 5-0 at home.

Having led 3-0, they held on to win 3-2 away at Tottenham despite allowing 2.42 xG. Last weekend, Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-0 at home. They outshoot the Cherries 25-7 with 3.38 xG put up.

Arsenal Team News

Jurrien Timber is fit after a long-term injury and could be on the bench here. Takehiro Tomiyasu may keep the left-back role ahead of Jakub Kiwior and Oleks Zinchenko.

Leandro Trossard is pushing to keep Gabriel Martinelli on the bench. Thomas Partey’s recent displays may see him start over Jorginho once again.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal can’t drop a single point if they want to keep the title race alive. They will be very motivated to win this match.

Arteta’s side will look to score early and dominate the match. They are capable of dropping off and defending a lead.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 1 of their last 7 EPL matches

Manchester United have scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 7 matches

Man Utd have seen Over 2.5 goals in 14 of their last 17 league matches

Arsenal have won 13 of their last 15 EPL matches

Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in 14 of their last 16 EPL matches.

Arsenal have lost their last 2 matches at Old Trafford.

Verdict

United are a mess at the back right now and Arsenal are full of confidence. A convincing win for the Gunners is expected.

Best Bet: Arsenal win (-1 handicap) at 2.00

Alternate Bet: Arsenal wins and both teams to score at 2.40

Goalscorer Tip: Kai Havertz to score anytime at 2.25

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