Arsenal v Man United Betting Tips: Who prevails in vital top-four clash?
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Preview and odds for Premier League battle
Arsenal and Manchester United have played some epic contests down the years.
But usually it’s been to decide the league title. This Sunday it’s all about the top-four race. United are on cloud nine after that incredible win over Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal are licking their wounds after a dour loss to Rennes.
There’s only a point between the two sides ahead of this one, so it should be a cracker. It’s live on Sky Sports Premier League, and gets underway 4.30pm…
Head-to-head
This one has been a Premier League heavyweight clash for two decades now. United lead the head-to-head with 97 wins to Arsenal’s 81.
And the Red Devils have largely had the edge in recent meetings too, with three wins and a draw in the last four games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have the better form too. United have won 14 of 17 games since the Norwegian took charge in November, and have collected more points than anyone in the league under his tenure.
Arsenal remain solid at the Emirates, winning 10 of their last 12 home games, but United have won their last two visits 3-1.
Likely XIs
Emery is set to recall Alexandre Lacazette for this one, with the Frenchman missing Thursday’s Europa League clash through suspension.
It remains to be seen whether the Arsenal boss partners Lacazette with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners have often looked stronger with both strikers on the pitch.
Emery must also choose between wingers Henrihk Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi, or Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey. Mkhitaryan and Iwobi have been in good form, and could get the nod to inject pace and width.
The Arsenal boss has one notable absence though, with Lucas Torreira suspended following his late red against Tottenham last week.
Despite all the form and past success in this contest, Solskjaer is again hamstrung with his team selection.
Paul Pogba returns after missing the win over PSG, but Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic are still out. Anthony Martial might make the bench.
But that’s not been a problem for United so far, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford in top form.
The duo have developed an acute partnership up front, and are likely to cause endless trouble for Arsenal’s suspect defence.
Key battles
Arsenal couldn’t handle United’s pace and power in January’s FA Cup clash, and they’ll be up against Lukaku and Rashford this time around, with both players in brilliant form.
But the Gunners retain a significant threat up front. Lacazette and Aubameyang can change games in a moment, as can Ozil and Ramsey.
The key is likely to be Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has been sensational under Solskjaer, dictating games and turning defence into attack with poise and precision.
Torreira’s suspension therefore will be acutely felt. It’ll be up for Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka to shut Pogba down.
Match odds
Despite United’s form, and the fact they’ve had an extra day’s rest, it’s Arsenal who are favourites for three points at 13/10.
There’s 19/10 about Solskjaer’s side, with a draw available at 13/5.
Only one of the last 22 meetings has ended 0-0, and with each of the last four clashes seeing three goals or more, there’s 8/13 about over 2.5 goals and 8/15 for both teams to score.
Who scores them? Aubameyang heads up the first goalscorer betting at 7/2, ahead of Lacazette at 9/2. Lukaku leads the way for the visitors at 5/1, with Rashford at 11/2 and Pogba 7/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
