Big Match Breakdown: Arsenal v Manchester United
Published:
Old rivals face-off in the late kick-off
One of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries reignites this evening as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
These two sides have enjoyed some classic title battles down the years. But this time around victory is required by both teams in order to keep up with runaway league leaders Manchester City.
Defeat for Arsenal could leave them 15 points off the pace. Meanwhile, a loss for United coupled with a City win would mean an 11 point gap to the top.
The Coral News Team are on hand to bring you all of the vital information ahead of evening’s clash…
Head-to-head
This is a match with more big match moments than any other. In terms of head-to-head match-ups, though, it’s the visitors that hold the advantage.
Man United have won 96 of their 225 fixtures against Arsenal compared with 82 victories for the Gunners.
That pattern has held in recent years too. The North Londoners have won just four times against the Red Devils since 2009.
However, Jose Mourinho’s men have lost on their last two visits to the Emirates. They went down 3-0 in 2015 and then 2-0 last season with goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck securing all three points for the hosts.
Likely XIs
Arsene Wenger will be forced into one change from the midweek win over Huddersfield Town with Alexandre Lacazette ruled out because of injury. Danny Welbeck is expected to replace the Frenchman and start against his former club.
Other than that, the Gunners should stick with the same XI that saw off the Terriers.
For United, Juan Mata or Ander Herrera will start in place of the injured Nemanja Matic. Anthony Martial should continue to partner Romelu Lukaku up-front with the visitors expected to continue in a 3-5-2 formation.
Key battles
The key to this game could be the pace of Anthony Martial. Arsenal haven’t coped well in recent years with teams playing on the front foot against them.
And the Frenchman’s speed, in accompaniment with Lukaku’s power going forward, could cause the Gunners serious problems.
Wenger’s men will also need a top performance from Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey. They’ll face a serious battle against Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini in particular. If they fail to stay disciplined and don’t match United’s physical capabilities, they could get overrun.
Match betting
Arsenal head into the game as the 7/5 favourites to record a third straight home win over United. The visitors are 19/10 for success, while the draw is well-priced at 23/10.
In terms of goalscorers, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of Welbeck bagging once again against his former club. The England ace has three against the Red Devils in his Gunners career and is 9/5 to continue that run anytime.
Alexis Sanchez is slightly shorter at 8/5, while it’s 9/2 that the Chilean breaks the deadlock in the contest.
United will be reliant on Lukaku to end his recent barren spell at 13/8 anytime. Otherwise, Martial and Rashford both appeal at 12/5 apiece.
The Coral News Team also like the look of Both Teams to Score – No. Mourinho’s men tend to set-up to frustrate away from home against the big sides.
And with three of the last four fixtures between these two teams in North London ending with at least one team failing to find the back of the net, the 11/10 on offer makes appeal.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
