In a behemoth of a match that could potentially make or break both sides’ top-four chances, Arsenal and Manchester United renew hostilities on Saturday lunchtime in the Premier League at the Emirates.
The Gunners reignited their Champions League bid with an enthralling 4-2 success at Chelsea in midweek, while Ralf Rangnick’s side capitulated in a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Arsenal along with Tottenham and United, are scrapping for a place in the big time and Saturday’s meeting at the Emirates could go a long way into deciding who claims that coveted fourth spot.
Form Guide: Arsenal
Arsenal looked out for the count in the Premier League top-four race following three straight defeats, only to breathe life back into the pursuit with a stunning 4-2 win away at Chelsea. Riddled with injuries and with confidence sapped, Mikel Arteta’s side produced one of the results of the season as they went to the home of the European champions and left with a richly deserved three points.
The manager made some big calls before the game as he opted to make two changes from the Southampton defeat, with the pair of Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding playing their part in a disciplined and gutsy performance. It took Eddie Nketiah all of 50 minutes on Wednesday night to equal Alexandre Lacazette’s Premier League open play goal tally for the entire season, as the 22-year-old led the Arsenal charge in a phenomenal spectacle at Stamford Bridge to end their three-game losing run.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Whether Erik ten Hag was watching on Tuesday night we may never know, but the Manchester United manager-elect would have certainly got a good image of the task at hand awaiting him at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils were simply torn to shreds by Liverpool on Merseyside.
Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah (2), and Sadio Mane all carved their way through the United defense in what was frankly an embarrassing display from Ralf Rangnick’s men, and the German was the first to admit that the squad is in dire need of a significant overhaul after the full-time whistle.
Manchester United travel to the Emirates having posted a mere two wins in their last seven Premier League matches – as well as losing each of their last three away from home – and Rangnick’s side is still waiting for their first Premier League clean sheet on rival turf since the turn of the year.
How the match could go
The expected return of Ronaldo to the frontline should at least give Man United that extra attacking bite, but as much as the Portuguese love a goal against the Gunners, it remains to be seen if he is in the right headspace to play.
If Arsenal’s new-look side can produce similar levels of incisiveness that they did against Chelsea, Man United’s dodgy backline could be in for a rough ride against Arteta’s side, and we can only envisage the Gunners effectively ending the Red Devils’ top-four hopes while giving theirs a major boost.
A lot could go on in the 90 mins if this intense fixture and with a lot at stake in this fixture we can say this would prove to be an interesting game.
Betting Predictions
Arsenal to win
Arsenal have won three of their last six league meetings with Man Utd, including two of their last three clashes at the Emirates. The Gunners recovered following three straight defeats to secure an impressive 4-2 victory at Chelsea in midweek, while Man Utd lost 4-0 at Liverpool to make it three defeats from their last five fixtures in all competitions and defeats in each of their last three away trips. United won the reverse fixture 3-2 during Michael Carrick’s short stint in charge but it’s hard to see them leaving London with any points on Saturday. Bet9ja have 1.88 odds, while 1xbet have 1.90, and Paripesa have 1.90 odds.
Over 2.5 Goals
The Gunners are determined to regain fourth place in the championship again, so they will definitely take advantage of the home field. The Red Devils have been showing weak football lately and making serious defensive mistakes, so it’s hard to say if they will be able to fix them. We believe that the confrontation will still be effective. A sum of 12 goals was scored between them in these games, with 8 of them for the Gunners and four being from The Red Devils. That is an average goal per game value of 2. We are certain of a lot of goals here today. Bet9ja have 2.04 odds, while Paripesa have 2.09 and 1xbet have 2.09 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Arsenal)
Nketiah
Nketiah has been linked with moves away from Arsenal all season long and looks like he could move in the summer but while he remains an Arsenal player, he could play a huge part in the club qualifying for the Champions League. In midweek, Nketiah scored twice against Chelsea, the striker’s first league goals of the campaign, so Arteta is likely to keep him up-front on Saturday against a leaky Man Utd defense and we’re backing the 22-year-old to score. Bet9ja have 3.45 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.30 odds for him to score.
Bukayo Saka
After scoring a penalty to help seal the win and cap a very impressive performance against Chelsea in their midweek clash, we have included him here again today to score. He has provided the most as an attacking outlet for this team and we don’t see him stopping now in such a vital game for his side. Bet9ja have 4.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.00 odds for him to score.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Ronaldo
The return of the Portuguese international to the side would be a huge boost to this United squad. Having been absent when his side lost at Anfield it was clear he was missed as they didn’t show any attacking intent. He has a good record also scoring against Arsenal in what would be a decider of the team’s future and hopes to qualify for the Champions League next season. Bet9ja have 2.85 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.80 odds for him to score.
Sancho
After a poor start to life at Old Trafford, the youngster has improved of late. He was brought in from the bench against Liverpool and he delivered glimpses of what could have been if he had started the game. He has what it takes to potentially deliver a stellar performance and with Ronaldo, back in the side they could link up and be a lethal driving force at that Arsenal defense. Bet9ja have 5.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.00 odds for him to score.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
