The last time these two sides played, United were in a terrible position, and I suggested they would win – they lost. This time around they are in a bit of purple(ish) patch. I suppose I should suggest they lose and then they win? That’s how it works right?
Anyway, I think this should be another show-stopping game of football. Two strong sides with incredible ability and depth. Let’s get stuck in here!
To Win (90 mins)
Manchester United 15/10
Draw 51/20
Arsenal 7/4
Manchester United
I will happily be the first to admit that it is not all fixed at Manchester United. I’m not necessarily talking about the Glazer family situation either, personally I’m not really on the bandwagon of blindly saying ‘Glazer out’ either – but that might be another article for another day, writes Ryan Liberty.
Erik ten Hag has certainly been given quid to spend in the market after their horrible start. They’ve now brought in no less than five players the manager certainly believes can turn it around for the club, but also players who are starting to show their metal.
The Red Devils have an excellent chance at securing a second win at home when they welcome old friends from the London area. This will truly be the test in my opinion,
United will need to start powerfully as they did against Liverpool and not give Arsenal a chance to catch their breath.
It should be a real clash of styles as well. United under their new Dutch coach seem to want to hold onto the ball and protect possession all over the pitch – a slight adjustment to their previous approaches. I think it’s a real show of confidence and belief to see a side who are obviously under incredible pressure, stick to their principles and play the ball irrespective of the field positioning.
There is a good feel about United now and should they come away with a positive result here…well, they might just kick on!
Arsenal
What else is there to say about Arsenal anyway? They have been fantastic this season! Mikel Arteta has managed that side with absolute poise and conviction, even when the Arsenal support base and general football media questioned him.
He got rid of a massively talented attacking player because he couldn’t fit into the culture the manager expected, he’s unapologetically stuck to his idea on how football should be played and now that his side are reaping the rewards, they find themselves at the summit of the league with a brilliant start to the season.
They have scored an average 2.75 goals per game and yet only conceded an average of 0.3! They are insane statistics, and at the risk of sounding a little batty, I’ve got to ask the question…Are Arsenal Football Club dark horses to compete with City and Liverpool for the title this year? And what does that say about United should they win at Old Trafford!?
Ok, ok that might have been a little banter just to lighten the mood – but in all seriousness, Arsenal for me have shown so far that they deserve your respect and I think the game on Sunday will show that.
Predicted Line-up:
Manchester United: De Gea; Malacia, Varane, Matinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Sancho, Elanga.
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Tierney; Elneny, Xhaka, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, Jesus.
Prediction: Draw + BTTS (33/10)
Yes, yes say it – I’m sitting on the fence! Well contrary to popular belief, I can’t honestly see how this doesn’t end in a draw, assuming both teams play to a particular standard. United surely come out with the same fire and brimstone at Old Trafford that was so evident against Liverpool, and Arsenal maintain their excellent approach.
I think it ends all square – and while I once again wouldn’t mind calling this wrong and seeing United canter to victory – this is my best bet for the game. At 33/10, surely you don’t need much more convincing?
