It’s a massive game, a huge game! The Premier League Champions-elect host United at the Emirates in what will surely be a throwback of sorts to a rivalry which is itself the fibres of the league.
Arsenal vs Manchester United | Sunday 22 January | Old Trafford | 18h30
These are the sorts of games Arsenal need to be winning, but has Erik ten Hag gotten United close enough to challenge the league leaders?
To Win
Arsenal 19/20
Draw 26/10
Man United 11/4
Arsenal
I know I might get some flak for this – or at the very least a few rolling eyes – but I don’t agree with the price available on Arsenal here. 19/20 about the Arsenal win, even at the Emirates, against Manchester United seems a little short. I mean they currently playing at their peak in the league and rightly see themselves sitting at the summit…but I think we should get a better price for their value.
The Premier League was built on the history of rivalry between teams like these two. Who can forget the battles of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira? You know the game would always be fiercely contested and I have a feeling we will return to those days come Sunday evening.
Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job with his Arsenal side – I have said it before, and I will say it again…the mentality evident at Arsenal acknowledges that they have players who can obviously play football, but more importantly, they believe that they can compete and win titles.
Arsenal will take the game to United; they are unbeaten in their last five games and having scored 12 times they have no reason to question their ability. Notably they have also only conceded three goals at the same time…what a game this could be.
Manchester United
Let’s start by addressing the important topic first…my colleague Joshua Gaillard deserves an apology. He was correct, Marcus Rashford was offside after interfering with play (this is from the perspective of the keeper). He was correct for this assertion, and I apologize for my emotional and somewhat frivolous reply – but I’ll take the points on offer anyway!
Anyway, there is absolutely no way you can dispute the improvement Manchester United have enjoyed under the pupilage of Erik ten Hag. The culture he has brought into the team is unmatched. The direct and intentional approach to defending and then turning defence into attack is reminiscent of the glory days and the support he has of the Old Trafford faithful is clear for all to see.
United have seen a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford find his form again in a red shirt, scoring on nine consecutive times at home. United have catapulted themselves into the top three of the league and sit just off the pace of the top two.
Casemiro has been brilliant for the club, he has a work ethic like no other and a winning mentality – two things surely beginning to seep through the corridors at Carrington! He’s secured the midfield and allowed the attacking and creative ability of United to dazzle on full display.
United face a tough test against Arsenal, they should expect both their defensive lines to be tested as well as their attacking threat met with just as much defensive creativity. However, could their midfield be where the game is won or lost?
Predicted Line-up:
Arsenal: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Eriksen, Garnacho, Rashford.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals + BTTS (21/20)
I can’t believe the price available about both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals! I know the reservation might be in a game like this as neither team wants to be overly zealous and go hammer and tong – but when you have the attacking threat these two teams hold, how can goals not play a role?
For me, taking advantage of this 21/20 price allows you to add this game to your weekend multiple, sit back and enjoy the fireworks we will surely see and have skin in the game!
