Undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend takes place at The Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening as Arsenal host Manchester United in a huge clash at the top of the Premier League. These two sides have been involved in some great battles over the years and this one promises to be just as exciting. Just four points currently separate these two sides with Manchester United in 2nd place and Arsenal in 4th. Neither manager will want to lose this one and a defeat for Arsenal could put pay to any lingering title hopes they have.
English Premier League – Arsenal vs Manchester United – Saturday 2nd December 2017 – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Betfair |
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Arsenal
Manchester UnitedArsenal
Arsenal come into this game in fine form having won four of their last five matches, with the sole defeat coming against runaway leaders Manchester City. Last time out Arsenal trounced Huddersfield Town 5-0 thanks to a second half rampage inspired by Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud. Giroud was introduced as a half time substitute after Alexandre Lacazette picked up a groin injury and the giant French striker will be confident of earning a starting place this weekend against Manchester United. Arsene Wenger has no other fresh injury concerns heading into the game though and will be confident of picking up all three points.
Manchester United
Manchester United were involved in a real humdinger of a game in midweek, beating Watford 4-2 at Vicarage Road. Two stunning goals from Ashley Young and another from Anthony Martial had Manchester United cruising at 3-0, before a second half comeback from Watford made things interesting. It took a late goal from Jesse Lingard to seal all three points for Mourinho’s side and despite some defensive frailties, he will have been impressed with the way his side played. Phil Jones is likely to miss out again for Manchester United on Saturday, but other than that Mourinho has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.
Talking Points
1. The last two games between these sides at the Emirates have both been won by Arsenal (2-0 & 3-0). The six-game form (all comps.) reads three wins for Arsenal, one for United and two draws, with an average of 2.83 goals a game in that time.
2. Manchester United ended a two-month losing streak away from Old Trafford by beating Watford 4-2 in their last PL match. United hadn’t won away since September 29th, when they defeated Southampton (1-0).
3. Romelu Lukaku has now scored just one goal in his last 11 matches for Manchester United after drawing another blank against Watford.
Prediction
I’m expecting Jose Mourinho to try and keep things tight on Saturday evening, something which he has done in every big game so far this season to great effect. Both of these teams come into the game on three match winning streaks and so both managers would probably take a draw if offered it before kick off. That is the most likely result for me and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the game end 0-0.
Betting Tips
Arsenal start this game as slight favourites at odds of 6/4, whilst an away win for Manchester United is priced up at 39/19, with the draw available at 5/2. All things considered, under 2.5 goals at 9/10 looks like a solid bet to me and that is what I’m backing in this game. Another decent bet could be on BTTS (NO) at 21/20, as if someone does win I could see it being 1-0. Finally, the 0-0 score that I have predicted is available at 9/1 if you are feeling particularly brave!
BTTS (NO) – 21/20 (Ladbrokes)