Arsenal v Manchester United – Sunday 22nd January – Emirates Stadium (18:00)
Manchster United were the big winners last weekend as Tottenham and Arsenal failed to pick up wins. United are now 2 points clear of Tottenham but face a tough task of keeping 2nd position as they travel to the Emirates to face old rivals Arsenal this weekend.
Arsenal’s title chances look slim after being outplayed by a great Swansea performance. That loss now see’s the Gunners 15 points off the top of the table. However a win here could revive their title chances as it will see them just 9 points off United and they will have to count on City’s average form to continue. Arsenal have been strong at home winning 7, drawing 2 and losing only 1 match to Liverpool in the first game of the seasons. However very few of their wins have been convincing. They have scored just 16 goals in those 10 home matches whereas Manchester City and Manchester United have scored 31 and 33 goals respectively at their home grounds. Thierry Henry was introduced in the 2nd half to try and inspire Arsenal to another victory at Swansea but it wasn’t to be. The Frenchman will be relishing a chance to get one against United and his experience could play a key role here. Robin van Persie’s goal scoring continues and the Dutchmen will be a danger to United’s frail defence.
Manchester United are coming off a good 3-0 home win against Bolton that kept the pressure on log leaders Manchester City. Scholes may have scored and rolled back the years with some sublime passing, but it was the re-emergence of two less-celebrated United midfielders that promises to hold more significance than the return of Scholes as the title race enters the home straight. Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick have both endured difficult seasons, but both proved their worth with Valencia tormenting Bolton left-back Sam Ricketts with his pace, while Carrick was the dominant figure in central midfield, his assured display capped by a goal. Valencia produced 12 crosses, created 5 chances and completed 42 of his 46 attempted passes, an emphatic contribution. Manchester United’s away record is just as good as Arsenal’s home record with 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss but have scored 3 more goals and conceded the same. Ferguson will have to deal with a number of key defenders out with injury which include Phil Jones,Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic and Fabio.
Arsenal will be hoping to forget the 8-2 thrashing they received from United at Old Trafford earlier this season. However that was a depleted Arsenal team and home advantage will be on Arsenal’s side. Nevertheless Manchester United have won 2 of the last 3 meetings at the Emirates and are tipped to get the 3 points against the out of form Gunners. The Over 2.5 goals bet looks a certainty at 1/1.
