Arsenal’s chance to prove they are no longer Man Utd’s bogey club

Manchester United go into this game having won an incredible 10 times out of 13 encounters with Arsenal in all competitions, but this time the Gunners are firmly in a better position to get the win they need.

Both sides go into this Premier League fixture following demoralising results in their last outings, with United conceding a late equaliser at home to bottom-club Fulham after dominating most of the match, while Arsenal were utterly crushed 5-1 by an inspired Liverpool.

Despite the slaughtering at Anfield, Arsene Wenger’s side are still well in contention for the league title as they sit just one point behind leaders Chelsea, and have very inciting odds of 7/1 to finish the season top for the first time since 2004.

David Moyes’ side, however, are well behind in seventh place, and with 9/2 odds just to reach the top four, United are very much a side in decline.

Robin van Persie has been an ever-present in the last five league fixtures between these footballing giants, having scored once in all of them (twice for Arsenal and three times for the Red Devils).

Now the Dutchman has returned from injury, back him to score at anytime at 5/4.

United won the reverse fixture earlier on in the season 1-0 at Old Trafford in a closely-fought battle that was decided thanks to a first-half header from Van Persie, but they have to dig their heels deep to do the double over the north London club.

Arsenal’s hiccup in the Liverpool game seems to have overshadowed their recent form, as they won four of their last five league matches prior to that. A win against United would be a perfect reply to reassure fans that no confidence has been lost and that they will not fade away at the end of the season – as they have so often previously done so.

This match-up always promises to be a fiery one, and both sides will go into the game in desperate need of a win. Despite 14 points separating the two rivals, it will be a closely fought conflict.

The Manchester side have won four in their last five Premier League meetings with Arsenal, but under the circumstances a 1-1 draw is very likely, with odds of 11/2 for that scoreline.