MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United battles for possession with Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)a revived rivalry from the past. On Sunday afternoon, top-of-the-table Arsenal travels to a resurgent Manchester United at Old Trafford as two longtime rivals square off.
A remarkable run of five victories in a row has been managed in north London during a busy summer, but Arteta’s team has yet to play a major opponent. A victory at Old Trafford would make a strong statement about their title chances.
Meanwhile, Manchester United seems to have made some progress in recent weeks. Even though the Erik ten Hag era hasn’t fully won over fans, they are coming off of three straight victories, which makes this a compelling matchup.
Any matchup between the two powerhouses is significant, but this one would demonstrate that the victor might legitimately challenge for the league’s top spot.
Form Guide: Manchester United
A 4-0 defeat at Brentford on Matchday 2 saw United emerge as the laughing stock of the Premier League. Still, Erik ten Hag has since overseen three consecutive victories and added some serious quality to the Red Devils ranks. A 2-1 triumph over bitter rivals Liverpool eight days after their west London trouncing brought life to the Ten Hag era and United followed up that impressive win with slender victories over Southampton and Leicester.
Manchester United are coming from a 1-0 win over Leicester City, their third straight win, and also the third straight game they’ve won with a one-goal margin. They have two straight clean sheets and their recent run is a significant improvement from their opening two losses. There’s still some improvement needed in attack though, with the team only scoring more than a goal once in the last five matches. This is where they will have their sternest test, as they face an Arsenal side with a good scoring run and solid defensive numbers.
Form Guide: Arsenal
Arsenal, meanwhile, maintained their perfect start to the league season on Wednesday night as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 in what was yet another dominant display. The Gunners continued to purr in the absence of Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko as Sambi Lokonga shone on a rare start.
While the end to their summer window was somewhat underwhelming, the confidence flowing through Mikel Arteta’s side right now is unlike anything we’ve seen in years at the Emirates. The Spaniard’s project is well underway and a statement victory on Sunday would certainly send a message out to the rest of the division.
The two clean sheets have both come in the last five games but one common feature here has been over 2.5 goals. In their previous 15 matches, 11 have produced over 2.5 goals. Four times in the last five Conference League matches.
In each of their five league games, Arsenal has scored two goals or more and won all five. They will be aiming for their third consecutive league away clean sheet entering into this game with the momentum they have. In seven encounters with Manchester United, the Gunners have only lost once.
How the game could go
Even though Arsenal has had a fantastic start to the new campaign, injuries to key players could bring a stop to their winning streak in a setting where there is simply no recipe for success.
Manchester United seems to be settling in under Ten Hag, but a prolonged lack of ruthlessness will limit their potential to maintain their winning streak, and the two goliaths of the game should this weekend play out a goalless draw.
When Arsenal travels to Old Trafford on Sunday, their perfect record in the Premier League this season should be in jeopardy. Man United have won their previous three league games in a row and seem to have turned the corner after a rocky start to the season, while Arsenal is dealing with injuries in the middle of the field, which is where the game may or may not be decided.
Betting Predictions
Draw
Arsenal has a decent recent record against Man Utd, winning three, drawing two, and losing just one of the pair’s last six clashes in the Premier League and the visitors have won all five games so far this season. However, Arsenal has injuries in midfield and Man Utd seem to have turned a corner under ten Hag and go in search of their fourth straight league win. With all this in mind, we’re backing these two Premier League giants to cancel one another out and for the game to end in a draw this weekend. Bet9ja have 3.50, 1xbet have 3.68 and Paripesa have 3.68 odds.
Under 2.5 Goals
We’re predicting a tight and tense 90-minutes and don’t expect there to be many goals scored. Under 2.5 goals have been produced in four of the last six meetings between Man Utd and Arsenal, while three of Man Utd’s last six outings in all competitions have also witnessed fewer than three goals scored. United have kept clean sheets in each of their last two matches and Arsenal have kept three clean sheets in their last six fixtures, so you can see why we’re expecting a low-scoring 90-minutes on Sunday. Bet9ja have 2.15 odds, Paripesa have 2.25 and 1xbet have 2.25 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes
The attacking midfielder has provided his team with two goals in their previous three wins as the Red Devils look rejuvenated. He has found a new lease on life and now taking responsibility for the team. Bruno has had his luck scoring against Arsenal in previous seasons and he would be looking to lead them to a winner again. Bet9ja have 3.60 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.75.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho seems to have found his feet with the winger scoring two goals in United’s win over Liverpool and Leicester. The English winger has had his fair share of ups and downs since his move from Dortmund and it seems this season would be different with the new manager having much faith in him. Bet9ja have 5.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.00.
Anytime Goalscorer (Arsenal)
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus scored the first goal of the game as the Gunners beat Aston Villa 2-1 this week. The former Manchester City forward has found his home in north London with his impressive three-goal haul since the beginning of the season with the Gunners. He would be leading the line for his side today as Manchester United is the only side he has played against but not scored – he’ll be determined to add to his tally of three for the season against his old Manchester rivals. Bet9ja have 3.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.25 odds.
Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian has been instrumental to this Arsenal team and their first five wins of the season, joint top scorer for his side in the Premier League you can see why he is a favorite pick today. He has made a major improvement to his game during the pre-season and it sure yielded dividends as he scored the winner last time out against Villa. Bet9ja have 3.85 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.50.
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.
