Preview and Prediction
The Red Devils is really being tested now on their ability to keep themselves on the top with a lot of pressure from the media and rivals plus hope from their fans after being gone for a while. Their setback in the last outing proves that consistency is not easy to build. This weeekend, Harry Macguire and Co will be facing another challenge from their old rival, Arsenal, on the road. The Gunners are in their positive form lately, which could be a potential threat for Ole Solksjaer’s men.
Both teams’ previous games
Arsenal managed to avenge their loss from Southampton in the midweek. They made a superb comeback win after conceding first from Stuart Amstrong by scoring three times through Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Alexander Lacazette. It’s their sixth win in their last eight outings.
Meanwhile, Manchester United was stunned by a 1-2 defeat from the team at the bottom pit of Premier League, Sheffield United. Kean Bryan’s header put the Blades on the front before Harry Macguire equalised. The Scottish international Oliver Burke finally bagged a winning goal.
Possible tactic
Mikel Arteta has been more confident with their unbeaten run in the Premier League. His 4-2-3-1 works well and might put his latest signing, Martin Odegaard, in the starting IX as the number ten since Emile Smith Rowe is ruled out alongside Kieran Tierney, Dani Ceballos, Thomas Partey, Pierre Aubameyang and Pablo Mari. Nicolas Pepe is ready to take Auba’s position after scoring in Saint Mary’s while Mohammed Elneny is likely to get a nod to accompany Granit Xhaka in the middle.
Ole Solskjaer is likely to deploy the same formation as his contender but he needs to explore more option if they are facing the double defensive stance as they did in the last outing. Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford can feature the dynamic duo upfront in 4-2-2-2 formation Pogba and Bruno Fernandes can support from behind the wingers can be brought on from the bench in the second half.
Players to watch
Arsenal top performers’ lately are Bukayo Saka with five goals and two assists, the French international Alexander Lacazette with eight goals and one assist, plus Granit Xhaka with one goal or one assist.
The Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes still plays the key role in United’s attack. His contribution with eleven goals and seven assists so far is still the dominant one. Another notable man to focus on is Marcus Rashford with seven goals and five assists.
Arsenal vs Manchester United Prediction
The Gunners should have a chance to seal a win or at least snatch a point as Marcus Rashford and Co’s weakness is finally exposed in the last outing. As long as their defence can be as solid as the Blades in the midweek, they might have a chance after all.
Betting Odds
In this classic tight affair, the home side is priced to win at 31/16 whereas Manchester United is backed to win at 14/9. The odds for a draw result are at the value of 13/5.
